The ice hockey final series between last year’s champions Eisbären Berlin and challengers Red Bull Munich will be an endurance test. After the Berliners equalized in overtime in the Best-of-Five series on Sunday, the third duel is on the agenda just one day later.
“It’s the same for both teams. There is nothing to complain about. It’s a bit like a marathon,” said Munich’s coach Don Jackson before the guest performance on Monday (7.30 p.m.) in the capital.
The Berliners had equalized in a heated 3: 2 (1: 1, 0: 0, 1: 1, 0: 0, 1: 0) after two overtimes to make it 1: 1 in the series. Frans Nielsen scored twice for the polar bears, he was also the match winner in the 84th minute.
“I’m really proud of the boys,” said Berlin’s coach Serge Aubin and also praised the Danish striker: “What stands out for me about him is his leadership. I’m glad he was rewarded.”
Nielsen was exhausted but relieved after his team’s victory. “It was strong how we got on the ice and how we felt. It was a good feeling,” he said at Magentasport and praised his team’s passionate performance: “We showed one of our best games of the year.”
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Whoever wins three games first is champion. The fourth final on Wednesday (7.30 p.m.) will again be held in the Bavarian capital. Munich had won the first duel on Friday 4: 3 despite a 0: 3 against the polar bears.
dpa
