ice Hockey
Berlin is waiting: Straubing reaches the DEL semi-finals
The Straubing Tigers complete the DEL semi-finals. photo
© Armin Weigel/dpa
For the first time in twelve years, the Straubing Tigers are back in the playoff semi-finals. In the deciding game against Schwenningen, the Tigers almost gave up the victory.
The Straubing Tigers complete the German playoff semi-finals Ice hockey league and are opponents of the Eisbären Berlin. In the playoff, the Tigers narrowly won against the Schwenninger Wild Wings 3:2 (2:0, 1:0, 0:2) and decided the quarter-final series 4:3.
This means that coach Tom Pokel’s team is back in the top four for the first time since 2012. Straubing will play there on Monday (5 p.m./MagentaSport) in the first of seven possible games against the Eisbären Berlin. In the second semi-final, the Fischtown Pinguins from Bremerhaven will host EHC Red Bull Munich (2 p.m./MagentaSport).
As in all six previous meetings, one team took a 3-0 lead. In the seventh match it was the Straubing Tigers. Stephan Daschner (14th minute), Cole Fonstad (18th) and JC Lipon (24th) were successful for the hosts.
The Wild Wings’ final spurt in the third round, however, came too late. Just under six minutes before the end Schwenningen reduced the score to 1:3 through Thomas Larkin. Tyson Spink scored the next goal (57th). Tigers goalkeeper Hunter Miska prevented the equalizer in the end and saved his team’s much-celebrated entry into the semi-finals.