DEL
Mannheim fails prematurely – Eisbären Berlin in the semi-finals
Scored two goals for the Polar Bears: Zach Boychuk. photo
© Uwe Anspach/dpa
The Eisbären Berlin are in a playoff semi-final for the German ice hockey championship for the 17th time. The Adler Mannheim fail earlier than they have in seven years.
The Eisbären won the decisive game with 3:2 (1:1, 1:0, 1:1) and will face either the Straubing Tigers or the defending champions EHC Red Bull Munich in the semifinals from Easter Monday.
For the Eagles, the season ends once again prematurely and disappointingly. The team, lavishly financed with SAP millions, which clearly fell short of expectations in the main round, has now been waiting for another championship title for five years. Mannheim last failed in the quarter-finals seven years ago.
Eagle coach disappointed
“That always breaks your heart,” Eagles coach Dallas Eakins told MagentaSport. As in previous games, Berlin was cleverer and more effective in the crucial moments and had the significantly better goalkeeper in Jake Hildebrand.
Bremerhaven and Munich had previously qualified for the semi-finals, which Straubing can complete on Maundy Thursday. The Tigers defeated the Schwenninger Wild Wings 3:2 (2:0, 1:0, 0:2) and now lead 3:2 in the best-of-seven series after victories.