The DEL playoffs have seen thrilling action as the Adler Mannheim edged past the EHC München in a dramatic comeback, securing a 4-3 victory after double overtime in their fifth quarterfinal game on March 25, 2025. The win puts Mannheim ahead in the best-of-seven series, leading 3-2, just one game away from advancing to the semifinals.
In an intense matchup held at the SAP-Arena in Mannheim, the Adler's fight for victory was highlighted by standout performances from key players. Ty Ronning from the Eisbären Berlin remarkably shone in his game against the Straubing Tigers, scoring a hat trick in their decisive 4-1 victory, thereby completing a 4-1 series win and eliminating the Tigers.
At the start of the Mannheim game, it was Munich that took the lead. Just five minutes into the match, Filip Varejcka skillfully directed a pass into the net, giving München a 1-0 advantage. However, Mannheim responded quickly; John Gilmour leveled the score at 1-1, finding the back of the net just four minutes later during a power play.
The first period showcased strong defense from both goalies, as both Arno Tiefensee (Mannheim) and Evan Fitzpatrick (Munich) made impressive saves, keeping the game tightly contested up until the first intermission. The second period saw Munich retake the lead when Nicolas Krämmer pounced on a rebound to score at the 23-minute mark, making it 2-1.
Despite being down, Mannheim rallied and, with the game's momentum swinging, managed to tie the score again in the third period. Matthias Plachta scored a crucial power play goal in the 43rd minute, putting the teams back on equal footing at 2-2. Moments later, Kris Bennett sent the home fans into a frenzy by scoring again, propelling Mannheim to a 3-2 lead.
But Munich wasn't finished just yet. In a dramatic turn of events, Adam Brooks fired home a goal in the 52nd minute, tying the game 3-3 as the clock ticked down. The match intensified with both teams desperately seeking the decisive goal, but neither side could finish in regulation, nudging the game into overtime.
The first overtime period went by without goals, with both teams getting close but ultimately being thwarted by strong performances from the goalkeepers. After a tense sequence of play, it was Plachta who stood out once more. In the second overtime period, he unleashed a shot that slipped through Fitzpatrick's legs, scoring the dramatic game-winning goal at 86 minutes, sealing the game 4-3.
The victory for Adler Mannheim not only boosted team morale but also gave them two match points in the series, placing them on the brink of a semifinal spot. Coach on the sidelines praised the team’s resilience saying, “We kept our focus and didn’t let the early lead go to our heads.” Now, all attention shifts to game six, scheduled for March 28 at the SAP Garden in Munich, where Mannheim can close out the series.
Meanwhile, in Berlin, the Eisbären were celebrating their own playoff success. In front of a substantial crowd of 12,122 at the Uber Arena, they battled hard against the Straubing Tigers. With Ty Ronning leading the charge, the Eisbären secured a decisive win, closing the series and sending their opponents into the summer break.
Ronning, who would end the night with three goals, ignited the match by scoring the first goal within just 5 minutes of play. With contributions from players like Gabriel Fontaine, Berlin maintained pressure throughout the game, never trailing after establishing an early lead.
This playoff season has been nothing short of exhilarating, with the momentum shifting rapidly from one game to the next. With both Mannheim and Berlin advancing, fans anxiously await the next round of action in the DEL playoffs, where anything can happen.
As both teams converge on their playoff paths, the matchups illustrate the high stakes and thrilling prospects ahead. Whether it’s Mannheim’s resolve to close out the series or Berlin’s powerful playoff presence, the excitement surrounding the DEL playoffs remains palpable.
