The Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) playoffs are heating up as the Eisbären Berlin and EHC Red Bull München make significant strides in their series. On March 19, 2025, Eisbären Berlin cemented their status as favorites in the quarter-finals by beating the Straubing Tigers 4-2, while München equalized their series against Adler Mannheim with a 5-2 victory.
The matchup between Berlin and Straubing was filled with ups and downs, particularly with a controversial disallowed goal for the Tigers. In the first period, both teams were testing each other, but it was the Tigers' Adrian Klein who almost put Straubing ahead after he scored from a rebound. Unfortunately for the Tigers, the referees disallowed the goal, believing that goaltender Jonas Stettmer had possession of the puck (11th minute). "When you get a raw deal like that in the first period, it definitely affects mental strength," commented Straubing’s Marcel Brandt in frustration during a post-game interview on MagentaTV.
The game's momentum shifted drastically in the second period. Straubing's Joshua Samanski opened the scoring at the 23rd minute during a power play. However, just one minute later, Liam Kirk equalized for Berlin, responding effectively to the pressure. Zach Boychuk followed up with another quick goal at the 26th minute, and Marcel Noebels extended the lead to 3-1 merely four minutes after Kirk's goal. The Tigers would not go down easily, as Travis St. Denis scored a quick response for Straubing only seconds after Noebels' goal (30th minute).
As the third period began, both teams battled for dominance, but it was clear that Berlin had the upper hand. With Straubing pressing for an equalizer late in the game, Eisbären's Gabriel Fontaine stole the show, scoring into an empty net at 60 minutes to seal the 4-2 victory. Coach Serge Aubin of the Eisbären Berlin stated, "We expected Straubing to put forth everything they had, and they certainly did. Jonas Stettmer kept us in the game early on, and we managed to capitalize on our chances. It’s all about finding a way to win, and that's what we did. Now, we’ll focus on game three."
Meanwhile, in Munich, EHC Red Bull München faced off against Adler Mannheim with a similar determination. After dropping the first game of the series, the home side needed to regroup, and they succeeded with a commanding 5-2 performance. The game kicked off with a strong goal from Taro Hirose early in the match (11th minute). Despite a temporary equalizer by Mannheim, the Red Bulls took control of the game, scoring two unanswered goals in quick succession to establish a definitive lead.
Markus Eisenschmid was pivotal in Munich's success, achieving his second playoff goal in this match. In total, the Red Bulls ousted the Adler with a combination of aggressive offense and tight defense, limiting Mannheim's chances. Maxi Kastner even scored a shorthanded goal (56th minute), sealing their victory at 5-2.
Both teams now shift their focus to the next crucial games in the series. For Eisbären Berlin, a victory on Friday would place them just one win away from the semi-finals. A game that promises to be just as thrilling, the teams will meet again for game three on March 21, 2025, at 19:30 in the Uber Arena.
As for the Straubing Tigers, they will be looking to overcome their current 0-2 series deficit with a home advantage and a fervent crowd behind them as they head back to Berlin. The future matches hold immense potential for dramatic reversals and unexpected outcomes, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of playoff hockey.
The quarter-finals continue to showcase the thrilling essence of the DEL, where every game can bring new heroes to light and the chance of an upset looms in every puck drop. Fans can catch the live broadcast of these games on MagentaSport, ensuring that none of the excitement is missed.
