The Adler Mannheim convinced in the first match of the playoff quarter-finals against the Fischtown Pinguins Bremerhaven. Mannheim is thus in the “best-of-seven series”.
The big goal for the Adler Mannheim was already clear before the start of the playoffs: the first German championship since 2019. In the first quarter-final of the “Best-of-Seven Series” on Wednesday (March 25th), the Kurpfälzer started in the home arena with a 5:2 (2:0, 2:1, 1:1) win against the Fischtown Pinguins Bremerhaven.
The Eagles thus lived up to their role as favorites. The Mannheim team won all four games against their opponents in the main round. In game one they also benefited from being able to recharge their batteries before the knockout round as runners-up in the main round, while the Pinguins had to take the detour via the pre-playoffs. There the North Germans prevailed with two victories against Nuremberg.
Marc Michaelis with the early lead for Adler Mannheim
The Eagles were the more active team at the beginning. After a shot attempt by Lukas Kälble, which Bremerhaven keeper Kristers Gudlevskis fended off, Marc Michaelis used the rebound from close range to give coach Dallas Eakins’ team an early lead (3rd minute).
After the furious start, the match flattened out, with both teams making repeated mistakes in the build-up game. Due to several two-minute penalties, there was no real rhythm to the game. Nevertheless, the Eagles got their second goal: John Gilmour simply shot from the blue line – and Bremerhaven’s Akito Hirose unfortunately deflected the puck, leaving Penguins goalkeeper Gudlevskis powerless. 2-0 for the Electoral Palatinate (15th) – at the same time the interim result after the first third that they deserved from a home perspective.
Nicolas Mattinen counters Phillip Bruggisser’s goal
Shortly after the start of the second period, the Penguins reduced the deficit to 1:2. Phillip Bruggisser scored from distance during his team’s power play (25′). Adler keeper Maximilian Franzreb, who played for Bremerhaven between 2021 and 2025, only saw the shot very late – and was no longer able to prevent it from hitting. But Mannheim quickly hit back: Nicolas Mattinen scored elegantly with his backhand to make it 3-1 for the hosts (29th).
Luke Esposito refines a fast counterattack
The match was disjointed in the second third, there were many time penalties and interruptions, for example because coins from the audience flew onto the ice. Ice hockey was also played – and Luke Esposito scored after a fast counterattack by the Eagles to make it 4-1 for Mannheim (34th).
The final third started rather quietly. Given their lead, Mannheim took a wait-and-see approach and tried to control the game. Bremerhaven lacked the means to put the home team, who were secure on defense, in trouble. Almost ten minutes before the final siren, the Kurpfälzer team scored their fifth goal: After an assist from Tom Kühnhackl, Yannick Proske scored to make it 5-1 for the hosts (50th). Almost in return, Rayan Bettahar made it 2:5 from the Fischtown Pinguins perspective (51st). Ultimately, Adler Mannheim’s deserved home win was no longer in danger.
It continues on Friday
Both teams continue on Friday (March 27th) in Bremerhaven, when the Fishtown Pinguins host the Adler Mannheim for game two of the quarter-final series. On Sunday (March 29th) the Electoral Palatinate team will have home advantage again. The team that wins four times advances to the semi-finals.
