The Eisbären Berlin faced a setback in their playoff campaign on Friday evening, March 21, 2025, as they narrowly lost to the Straubing Tigers with a score of 2-1. The defeat in front of 14,200 spectators at the Friedrichshainer Arena brings the Eisbären's lead in the Best-of-Seven series down to 2-1, creating a tightly contested playoff atmosphere.
The match kicked off with an intense energy, reflecting the high stakes of the quarterfinals. The Eisbären took control early in the game, with Liam Kirk scoring the first goal just 22 minutes in. Assisted by teammate Frederik Tiffels, Kirk slotted the puck past the Tigers’ goalie, Florian Bugl, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. However, the game was far from finished, as both teams engaged in a physical battle that included numerous penalties.
Despite taking the lead, the Eisbären struggled to maintain their advantage. The Tigers, fueled by frustration from their previous loss earlier in the week, responded aggressively, firing up their offense as they fought to stay alive in the series. The first two periods showcased a tightly contested matchup, with a score of 1-0 favoring the Eisbären going into the final frame.
The third period proved pivotal. Just after play resumed, the Tigers leveled the score when Michael Connolly found the net in the 42nd minute, marking a shift in momentum. Only four minutes later, Philip Samuelsson struck again for Straubing, scoring what turned out to be the winning goal at 45:16. The Eisbären’s lead evaporated, and they found themselves scrambling to respond as time ticked away.
In a last-ditch effort, the Eisbären called a timeout with just two minutes left and pulled their goalie, Jonas Stettmer, in favor of an additional skater. Desperate to find an equalizer, the team pressed forward but encountered a resilient Tigers' defense that swiftly countered their tactics and closed down any scoring opportunities.
Speaking after the match, Coach Craig Woodcraft of the Tigers emphasized the importance of the victory, saying, "My team did a great job for 60 minutes. Now we can’t dwell on it." His words reflect the team's determination as they look to build on this crucial win.
Conversely, Eisbären Coach Serge Aubin expressed disappointment over the outcome, stating, "This wasn't good enough today. If you lead after two periods, you need to close it out." His sentiments highlight the emphasis on execution and the psychological pressure players face during such critical matches.
The physical nature of the game was evident, with both teams accumulating penalties. Several confrontations led to time in the penalty box, notably a fight involving Yannick Veilleux of the Tigers and Alex Green of the Eisbären, which resulted in five-minute penalties for both players. The resulting stoppages disrupted the rhythm, allowing the Tigers to find their footing and capitalize on Eisbären errors.
The teams will reconvene for Game Four on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 2 PM in Straubing. This game promises to be an essential matchup, as the Eisbären will seek to regain momentum and secure their path to the semifinals. As the series progresses, the stakes only get higher, and both teams are eager to prove their capabilities and advance in the playoffs.