The Eisbären Berlin won the first game in the DEL final series against Adler Mannheim and only need three wins to defend their title.
Thanks to their effectiveness, they have Polar Bears Berlin took a first step towards defending their title in the German Ice Hockey League (DEL) against Adler Mannheim. The club from the capital won away from home 7:3 (3:0, 2:0, 2:3) and only needs three more wins to win the best-of-seven series.
The Berliners have already won the last seven playoff duels between both clubs and will be the hosts in the second game on Sunday (4:30 p.m.).
Polar bear goalie Stettmer prevents falling behind
In the quarter-finals against the Fischtown Pinguins from Bremerhaven and most recently against EHC Red Bull Munich, the Mannheim team held their own at home. They also had the better chances against the Eisbären in front of 13,600 spectators at the beginning, but they repeatedly failed because of goalkeeper Jonas Stettmer.
The people in front of him aimed more precisely. First Liam Kirk was right (8th) and just three minutes later Jean-Sébastien Dea increased the score to 2-0.
Berlin defies Injury concerns
The Berliners struggled with injuries over the course of the season. Nevertheless, the DEL record champions held on against the Straubing Tigers and the first in the main round Cologne sharks the upper hand. In Mannheim, the polar bears remained true to their concept and were extremely callous. Before the first third break, Les Lancaster scored the third goal (19th).
“We have to defend it better,” said Mannheim defender Lukas Kälble in an interview with “MagentaSport” about the defensive performance: “Now we have to get into the second third better.”
Double strike ensures Preliminary decision
Things turned out differently: Kälble himself had to go to the penalty box shortly after the restart. But it took until the 35th minute before Ty Ronning made it 4-0. Markus Vikingstad completed the double strike within 68 seconds.
The Eagles made a goalkeeper change for the final period – and sent signs of life with Kris Bennett (42nd), Alexander Ehl (48th) and John Gilmour (56th). They didn’t give up, but missed the goal. Instead, Andreas Eder and Kirk stopped the late comeback with shots into the deserted Mannheim goal (57th/58th).
Broadcast: rbb24, April 24, 2026, 10:08 p.m
Video: rbb24, April 24, 2026, Jonas Schützeberg
