The previous relegation candidate Düsseldorfer EG has continued its successful streak in the German Ice Hockey League (DEL) and is now knocking on the door to the pre-playoffs. After their fourth success in a row with 5:3 (1:2, 3:0, 1:1) against third-placed Straubing Tigers, the Rhinelanders have five points more than bottom-placed Iserlohn Roosters in the relegation zone.
The DEG also moved within one point of the tenth-placed Nürnberg Ice Tigers, who occupied the last pre-playoff place. The Tigers, on the other hand, after two previous wins, missed the chance to catch up with the top duo with league leaders Eisbären Berlin and their pursuers Fishtown Pinguins Bremerhaven, who are currently five points away.
The decisive factor for Düsseldorf’s success was the home team’s spurt in the middle third with three goals. Kyle Cumiskey stood out with a brace (24th and 34th), before Adam Payerl (38th) gave the former champions an important two-goal lead. The remaining goals for the hosts were scored by Kohen Olischefski (7th) and Alexander Ehl (55th).
Straubing quickly countered the early deficit with Justin Braun’s equalizer (8th). JC Lipon (17th) gave Bayern a temporary lead before the first third siren. In the final third, Michael Connolly (48th) was only able to shorten the score once more.
Düsseldorfer EG – Straubing Tigers 5:3 (1:2, 3:0, 1:1) – Goals: 1:0 Olischefski (7:00), 1:1 Braun (7:29), 1:2 Lipon (16:32), 2:2 Cumiskey (23:40), 3:2 Cumiskey (33: 45), 4:2 Payerl (37:54), 4:3 Connolly (47:59), 5:3 Ehl (54:46) – Spectators: 6579. – Penalty minutes: Düsseldorf 10 – Straubing 4.