The Eisbären Berlin opened the year 2024 with a befitting success and extended their lead in the German Ice Hockey League (DEL).
The DEL record champions won against Düsseldorf EG 4:2 (2:1, 0:0, 2:1) and also benefited from the defeat of Fischtown Pinguins Bremerhaven.
The North Germans suffered their first defeat after eight wins in a row when they lost 2:4 (1:0, 0:3, 1:1) at the Nuremberg Ice Tigers. The Eisbären, for whom Eric Mik (8th), Patrice Cormier (15th, 60th) and Ty Ronning (43rd) scored, are now three points ahead of Bremerhaven in the table.
The top duo has already set itself well apart from the competition. The Straubing Tigers in third place are already ten points behind Fischtown and 13 points behind the Eisbären. However, Straubing can shorten the score again on Wednesday (7:30 p.m./MagentaSport) against the Augsburger Panthers.
In fourth place is defending champion Red Bull Munich, who celebrated a brilliant 6:1 (2:1, 4:0, 0:0) against Adler Mannheim. With four goals within six minutes in the second half, Munich made everything clear.
The Kölner Haie lost to bottom team Iserlohn Roosters 3:4 (1:2, 0:1, 2:0, 0:0, 0:1) after a penalty shootout and are fifth behind Munich. Taro Jentzsch decided the duel with his converted penalty.
The Schwenninger Wild Wings improved to sixth place with a 4:2 (3:0, 0:1, 1:1) against ERC Ingolstadt.