In a thrilling playoff battle, the Dresdner Eislöwen are one step away from clinching a semifinal berth in the DEL2, needing only one more win against the Starbulls Rosenheim. As of March 21, 2025, they have managed to secure three victories in the best-of-seven series. After a narrow defeat in the last match, where they lost 1-2 in overtime, the Eislöwen are set to try again at home, aiming to finish the series tonight.
Coach Niklas Sundblad emphasized the importance of a strong start in the upcoming game. "This is a tough series. Every game is tight, and the last decision came only in overtime against us," Sundblad noted, reflecting on the challenges his team faces. "But I’m looking forward. Now we’re playing at home, the arena is sold out, and it will be a great atmosphere. We want to wrap up this series." The players are feeling the excitement, and a packed stadium is expected to lift their morale.
Looking ahead to the clash at the Joynext-Arena in Dresden, goalkeeper Danny aus den Birken is anticipated to be a crucial player once again for the Eislöwen. Sundblad commented on the vital role his goalie plays, stating, "The goalkeeper has a key role. We need a solid defense. We will create chances; we just have to capitalize on them." His role will undoubtedly be a critical factor in the game.
Tomas Andres, a forward for the Eislöwen, voiced confidence about the home advantage, stating that sleeping in their own beds the night before instead of on a hotel mattress will boost their performance: "It’s an advantage for us because we don't have to travel far and we have our own fans behind us." The emotional energy from their supporters combined with the familiarity of their home rink could give them the edge they need to progress to the next round.
On the other side of the ice, the Starbulls Rosenheim find themselves in a do-or-die scenario. Following their hard-fought victory over the Eislöwen on March 18, where they won in overtime, they face significant pressure to win in Dresden. It’s a pivotal moment for their season. Coach Jari Pasanen acknowledged their need to stay fighting: "We must win this game to keep our playoff hopes alive," he said, focusing on the urgency of the situation.
The atmosphere on March 21 promises to be electric, as Rosenheim aims to push the series to a sixth game. Fans from both sides will pack the arena, fueling the intensity of the matchup. Observers anticipate a physical game, typical of playoffs where emotions run high and stakes are even higher. The previous encounter included a tense moment between Andres and a Rosenheim fan, which has since gone viral on social media, demonstrating not just the passion surrounding this playoff but also the fiery nature of hockey culture.
Fans can expect a highly competitive contest starting at 19:30 in the sold-out Joynext-Arena. For the Eislöwen, clinching this game means stepping into the semifinals, while the Starbulls must victory if they wish to continue their postseason journey. The window is closing for the Rosenheim team, who will have to dig deep; losing this game spells the end of their path in the playoffs, making it a game filled with both excitement and dread for their supporters.
As the countdown ticks down to puck drop, both teams are preparing for what promises to be a night of unforgettable playoff hockey. Will the Eislöwen seal the deal at home, or will the Starbulls turn the tables and extend the series? The answer awaits on the ice.
