Defending champion EHC Red Bull Munich is about to be eliminated in the playoff semi-finals of the German Ice Hockey League. After the 2:3 (1:3, 1:0, 0:0) against the Fischtown Pinguins from Bremerhaven, former national coach Toni Söderholm’s team is behind 1:3.
If Munich loses on Tuesday (7.30 p.m./MagentaSport) in Seestadt, Bremerhaven would move into the final for the first time in the club’s history.
Record champions Eisbären Berlin lost 2:3 (0:1, 1:0, 1:2) to the Straubing Tigers and only lead 3:1 in the best-of-seven series. The Berliners have their next chance to make it to the final perfect on Wednesday (7.30 p.m./MagentaSport) in their home arena.
Penguins 3-0 ahead after five minutes
The Pinguins from Bremerhaven did not appear unsettled after the 4-0 defeat in game three – on the contrary. In the first five and a half minutes, Ross Mauermann, Christian Wejse and Jan Urbas gave the visitors a 3-0 lead. Jonathon Blum was able to bring the star ensemble from the Isar to 1:3.
The hosts started the second half with a lot of momentum. Chris DeSousa made it 2-3 with his goal after 28 minutes. In the final third, Penguins keeper Kristers Gudlevskis once again saved his team’s important away win with numerous brilliant saves.
Straubing showed that they wanted to use their last chance to turn the series around. Cole Fonstad scored 1-0 for coach Tom Pokel’s team in the first third (10th minute). The Berliners only really got into the game in the second half and were rewarded with the first playoff goal from national player Frederik Tiffels (30th).
Tigers striker Mark Zengerle took the lead again in the final third (44th), which Josh Samanski was able to extend to 3-1 (50th). Berlin came within one goal through Blaine Byron (54′). Straubing’s goalkeeper Hunter Miska saved the celebrated first success against the Eisbären in the final phase.
