In a tense and intensely fought game on March 21, 2025, Adler Mannheim found themselves on the losing end against EHC Red Bull München, suffering a 2:5 defeat in the third quarterfinal match of the DEL playoffs. This loss puts Mannheim in a precarious position as they trail the series 1:2, with two more games ahead that could determine their playoff fate.
The game, held at the sold-out SAP Arena in Mannheim, saw a remarkable turnout with 13,600 spectators in attendance, eager to support their home team. However, the early part of the match didn’t go as planned for the Adler. Within just 54 seconds of the opening whistle, Markus Eisenschmid put München on the scoreboard, catching Mannheimer’s goaltender, Arno Tiefensee, off guard. Just five minutes later, another quick strike by Tobias Rieder doubled the Red Bulls' lead to 2:0, setting a daunting tone for the home side.
Mannheim fought hard to dig themselves out of this early deficit. The Adler controlled play for portions of the first period, registering nearly double the shots on goal compared to their opponents; however, the Red Bulls' effectiveness proved decisive. After a solid setup by Nick Cicek, Mannheim's Tom Kühnhackl scored in the 14th minute, bringing the score to 1:2, but the momentum was short-lived. Just two minutes later, Chris DeSousa answered back for München, restoring their two-goal cushion at 1:3.
The second period saw a shift, as München effectively stymied Mannheim's offensive plays, limiting their scoring opportunities significantly. Despite this, Mannheim persisted, and their determination was evident as they tried to find a way past the Red Bulls' defense. However, Munich capitalized on their power play later in the period, with Yasin Ehliz scoring at 4:1 in the 35th minute, leaving the home team needing yet another comeback.
Entering the final frame, it seemed like the Red Bulls had sealed their victory early as Rieder netted their fifth goal within the first two minutes of the period, stretching the lead to 5:1. Though Mannheim managed to pull one back when Leon Gawanke scored in the 56th minute, making it 2:5, the damage had already been done. The final score reflected not just a defeat for Mannheim but also the urgent need for a turnaround in their next contest.
Looking ahead, Adler Mannheim is set to face EHC Red Bull München once again in Munich on March 23, 2025, before returning to their home arena on March 25, 2025. The team recognizes the critical nature of the upcoming games, with their aspirations in the playoffs hanging in the balance.
Patrick Hager, a prominent player for the Adler, reflected on the team’s performance after the game, stating, "We played very structured and controlled and scored at the right moments. A big compliment to my team. I want to contribute to the success. And if I can do that with my points, I’m happy about the record. But the most important thing is the away win." This highlights the team’s commitment to improving their performance and focus on future games.
As the series progresses, the pressure mounts for Mannheim to not only respond to their previous performance but to reclaim their standing in the playoffs. With fans rallying behind the team, the Adlers are determined to even the score and continue their pursuit of playoff success.
