Fans of German ice hockey have reason to rejoice as the DEL Playoffs 2025 commence this March following the conclusion of the main round, which ended on March 7, 2025. With high-stakes excitement on the horizon, the playoffs promise thrilling matchups and the potential crowning of the DEL champion.
The playoffs will feature multiple rounds with teams vying for supremacy. The initial phase, the pre-playoffs, is set to take place from March 9 to March 13, where the teams ranked between seventh and tenth will compete to earn their spots in the quarter-finals. This stage promises to be electrifying as each game has the potential to change the outcome for the contenders involved.
The quarter-finals will kick off on March 16 and run until March 30, where the top six teams from the overall rankings are also introduced. Fans can expect to see intense matchups such as ERC Ingolstadt facing the pre-playoff winner (either Straubing Tigers or Löwen Frankfurt), and Eisbären Berlin battling the other pre-playoff victor. Not to be overlooked are the contests involving Fischtown Pinguins Bremerhaven versus Kölner Haie, and Adler Mannheim challenging EHC Red Bull München.
Adler Mannheim secured their place after finishing the main round with fourth position. Their last match against Eisbären Berlin, held on March 7, ended dramatically with them losing 4-5 after penalty shootout. The match, which attracted 13,600 spectators to the SAP Arena, saw Mannheim trailing at one stage, only to stage a remarkable comeback to take the lead, finishing regular time tied at 4-4 thanks to Kai Wissmann's heroics for the Berlin team.
Coach Dallas Eakins emphasized the importance of performance going forward, stating, “The table doesn’t matter to me now.” This pointed reflection shows how pivotal consistency will be for the Mannheimer Eagles as they enter the playoffs aiming to advance past the quarter-finals. A marked improvement is evident when compared to their previous season, finishing seventh at the end of the regular season. They have topped their past performance, confirming their fourth-place seeding, providing the team with some confidence heading forward.
Starting with the quarter-finals, Adler Mannheim holds home-ice advantage; their first game scheduled for March 16 at 2 PM against EHC Red Bull München. Following this, match two will take place on March 19 at 7:30 PM but at the home arena of München. Games three and four will convene on March 21 at 7:30 PM back at SAP Arena, followed by the fourth game at München on March 23 at 7 PM.
The pre-sale for tickets to these matches kicks off on March 10 at noon at various ticket outlets, creating an buzz among the local fans eager to support the Adler Mannheim. They are eager to fill the SAP Arena during the playoffs, known for its enthusiastic environment.
With the atmosphere heating up and tensions rising, there’s no denying the excitement for the 2025 DEL playoffs. The competition is fierce, but many eyes will be on Adler Mannheim as they aim for glory and to carve their names onto the prestigious championship trophy once again. For more information as the playoffs progress, fans can check the official team website.
Stay tuned for thrilling hockey and captivating performances over the next few weeks!