In a gripping playoff matchup that has captivated fans, the ERC Ingolstadt faced off against the Nürnberg Ice Tigers on the afternoon of March 23, 2025. Unfortunately for the Panthers, the outcome was yet another chapter of heartache, as they fell 2-3 in overtime, allowing the Ice Tigers to even the series in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) quarterfinals at 2-2.
The game was intense and closely contested, showcasing high-level hockey with a total of 29 goals scored across four games so far in the series. Each game has featured nail-biting moments, not least the significant controversy surrounding refereeing decisions. Leon Hüttl, a key player for Ingolstadt, reported that during the game-winning goal for Nürnberg, the referees had admitted to having whistled before the goal was scored, raising further questions about officiating in this series.
Despite Ingolstadt's loss, Hüttl remains optimistic. The Panthers believe their performance, especially in five-on-five play, has largely been superior. "We are not behind; we have a home game coming up, and we are definitely the better team—over seven games, we will win the series," stated Hüttl firmly.
The next showdown for the Panthers will be at 19:30 on March 26, 2025, at the Saturn-Arena, where they hope to regain their momentum after a tumultuous match.
This latest game showcased the special teams’ importance, with all four regulation-time goals coming from power-play opportunities. Wayne Simpson opened the scoring for Ingolstadt with his third playoff goal, netting the first score in the 17th minute. However, Nürnberg quickly equalized with Will Graber during a power play in the 22nd minute. Ingolstadt took the lead again in the 38th minute, courtesy of Kenny Agostino’s power-play goal, but that advantage was short-lived when Konstantin Braun leveled the score for Nürnberg in the 52nd minute, again on a power play.
Both teams displayed their skill, with Ingolstadt dominating part of the game statistically—registering a whopping 16 shots to Nürnberg’s five by the end of the first period. But it was inability to convert leads into wins that plagued the Panthers yet again, having previously let go of leads throughout the series.
ERC head coach Mark French had tried to shake things up after a disappointing 5-6 loss in a previous overtime game, swapping goalie Devin Williams in for Michael Garteig, along with other lineup changes aimed at bolstering defense. Sam Ruopp replaced Philipp Preto, while Charles Bertrand took the place of Abbott Girduckis. French emphasized the need for discipline prior to the match, noting that this would be a key factor to success.
When the final whistle blew, the game had to stretch into overtime yet again—a hallmark of this gripping series. Amidst mounting tension, fans from both teams could hardly bear to watch as the Ice Tigers and the Panthers traded chances. It was Jeremy McKenna from Nürnberg who ultimately sealed the win with a goal at 65 minutes, leading to wild celebrations among the home fans.
Yet, amid the disappointment, there exists a silver lining. The Panthers are determined not to dwell on the referees’ calls but rather focus on what they can control—namely their own performance. "There were missed opportunities that we need to capitalize on moving forward. With discipline and intensity, we will return to form," noted Ingolstadt's players after the match.
ERC Ingolstadt fans remained hopeful despite the setback, believing in the team’s ability to turn the series around in the next game. The Panthers have shown that they can indeed perform at a high level, and should they rediscover the discipline and efficiency that brought them success during the regular season, there’s still a chance to progress in the playoffs.
As the series continues, the need for adjustments becomes evident. With each game, both teams are learning about their opponents’ strategies and tactics, and the excitement surrounding this unpredictable series is palpable. Perhaps the real battle lies not just in the physical play but in the psychological game that unfolds in quick succession. The ice hockey playoff series between the ERC Ingolstadt and the Nürnberg Ice Tigers promises to unfold more drama and electric moments in the days to come.
