The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) as the Eisbären Berlin take on the Kölner Haie in the 2025 DEL playoffs final. The highly anticipated series kicked off on Thursday, April 17, 2025, in the packed Uber Arena, where the atmosphere was electric as fans gathered to witness the clash of these two storied franchises.
After a dominant season, the Eisbären Berlin, aiming to defend their title, entered the final series with a wealth of momentum. They reached this stage after impressive playoff performances, defeating the Straubing Tigers 4-1 and sweeping the Adler Mannheim with a 4-0 victory. This marks the Eisbären's 14th appearance in the DEL finals, a testament to their consistency and skill over the years.
On the other hand, the Kölner Haie, who finished the regular season in sixth place, were also riding high after a thrilling semi-final series. They battled through to the finals by overcoming the top-seeded ERC Ingolstadt in a nail-biting six-game series, showcasing their resilience and determination.
As the puck dropped, the Eisbären wasted no time asserting their dominance. Liam Kirk opened the scoring just 25 seconds into the game, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. The Eisbären continued to pressure the Haie, demonstrating their offensive prowess and tactical discipline.
However, the Kölner Haie responded with tenacity. Alexandre Grenier managed to equalize in the second period, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from the Eisbären. This goal breathed life into the Haie, who began to find their rhythm and create opportunities. Yet, the Eisbären quickly regained control, with Korbinian Geibel scoring to make it 2-1 before the end of the second period.
In the third period, the Eisbären showcased their efficiency, extending their lead with goals from Kai Wissmann and Liam Kirk, who both found the back of the net to push the score to 4-1. Leo Pföderl capped off the night with a fifth goal, securing a convincing 5-1 victory for the defending champions.
Despite the scoreline, the Haie displayed moments of brilliance and were not without their chances. The game was characterized by intense back-and-forth action, with both teams trading opportunities and showcasing their respective strengths. The Eisbären's defense, marshaled by their goalkeeper Jake Hildebrand, proved crucial in stifling the Haie’s attempts to mount a comeback.
Post-game, Eisbären coach Serge Aubin emphasized the importance of staying focused, stating, "We must only think about what happens on the ice and not around it." His sentiments reflect the mindset necessary for success in such a high-stakes environment.
Looking ahead, the series continues with Game 2 scheduled for Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 19:00, where the Kölner Haie will host their first home game of the finals. Fans are eager to see if the Haie can bounce back and level the series at home.
With the Eisbären Berlin taking a commanding lead in the series, the Kölner Haie are aware that they must regroup and come out strong in their upcoming matches. The stakes are high, and the competition is fierce as both teams vie for the coveted DEL championship title.
The remaining schedule for the final series is as follows:
- Eisbären Berlin vs. Kölner Haie – April 21, 2025
- Kölner Haie vs. Eisbären Berlin – April 23, 2025
- Eisbären Berlin vs. Kölner Haie – April 25, 2025
- Kölner Haie vs. Eisbären Berlin – April 27, 2025
- Eisbären Berlin vs. Kölner Haie – April 29, 2025
Fans can catch all the action live, with the first two games being broadcasted on DF1 for free. For those looking for additional coverage, Magenta Sport and Sportdeutschland.tv will also provide live streams of the matches.
As the Eisbären Berlin look to defend their title and the Kölner Haie aim to claim their first championship in over a decade, the excitement surrounding this final series is palpable. With each game, the tension will build, and the drama will unfold, making for a thrilling conclusion to the DEL playoffs.
