A month ago still in relegation trouble, now shortly before returning to the playoffs: The Kölner Haie in the German Ice Hockey League (DEL) have in mind a conciliatory end to a long messed-up season.
On the penultimate day of the main round, the eight-time German champions beat newly promoted Bietigheim Steelers 9-1 (4-0, 3-1, 2-0) and maintained tenth place in the table.
Chaser Iserlohn Roosters won 5:2 (2:1, 1:1, 2:1) against the Krefeld Pinguine, who were relegated. The Augsburg Panthers still have chances after the 2:3 (0:2, 1:0, 1:0, 0:0, 0:1) after a penalty shootout at the Nürnberg Ice Tigers.
In the last game on Sunday (2 p.m. / MagentaSport) against ERC Ingolstadt, Cologne still need a point for their first playoff participation since 2019. At the beginning of March, the sharks were still threatened with falling to the bottom of the table after 14 defeats in 15 games.
DEG goes down against Munich
Ingolstadt saved his chance of qualifying directly for the quarter-finals with a 7-0 (4-0, 1-0, 2-0) win over the Schwenninger Wild Wings. Nuremberg and Düsseldorfer EG are sure of the first playoff round despite the 0:6 (0:2, 0:3, 0:1) defeat by Red Bull Munich.
With the away win, the Munich team kept their chance for second place. Vice-champion Grizzlys Wolfsburg is still ahead after 1: 4 (0: 1, 1: 0, 0: 3) at the Adler Mannheim. Table leader Eisbären Berlin, who is the winner of the main round, lost 3:6 (0:3, 0:1, 3:2) at the Straubing Tigers.
