The polar bears celebrate Peter Regin’s goal to make it 2-0 Photo: City Press GmbH
From BZ/dpa
The Polar Bears have made up ground in the race for playoff spots.
On Friday evening, the reigning champions beat Adler Mannheim 5-2 (2-1, 0-1, 3-0) and reduced their deficit in tenth place to six points. Matt White, Peter Regin, Alexandre Grenier, Zach Boychuk and Yannick Veilleux scored for the capitals, who used their chances more consistently than the hosts.
In front of 12,982 spectators in the Mannheim Arena, the home side had the first good chances, but the guests took the lead: White used a clever pass from Zach Boychuk. Regin extended the lead with an energetic individual action, but the Kurpfälzer were able to shorten the lead before the first break with a goal from former Eisbären professional Mark Katic.
Alexandre Grenier, scorer to make it 3-2, with coach Serge Aubin Photo: City Press GmbH
In the second third, the encounter remained hard fought, but the Mannheimers found their way into the game increasingly better. After a quick combination of the hosts, Stefan Loibl equalized.
In the final section, however, the Berliners were a much more efficient team: while the home side missed a number of top-class goal opportunities, Grenier, Boychuk and Veilleux ensured with their goals that the polar bears ultimately won by a clear margin.