The tension in the Oberliga final series between the Bietigheim Steelers and the Hannover Scorpions reached a boiling point on Friday, April 25, 2025, as the two teams faced off in a thrilling Game 5 that ended in a heart-stopping overtime. The Scorpions emerged victorious with a 4:3 win, marking the third time in this series that the outcome was decided in extra time.
From the outset, the match showcased the fierce competition between the teams. Three out of four encounters in this series have been decided by a single goal, underscoring the tight-knit nature of the rivalry. With this latest victory, the Scorpions now hold the match point, poised to close out the series on Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Ellental.
The game began with a rare scoreless first period, a departure from previous matches where the home team typically took an early lead. Both teams struggled to find the back of the net, with notable chances missed by key players. In the 17th minute, Bietigheim’s captain Alexander Preibisch had a golden opportunity on a breakaway, but he failed to capitalize, shooting wide against Scorpions' goaltender Kristian Hufsky, who was a surprise starter in place of Kevin Reich.
As the second period commenced, the Steelers finally broke the deadlock just 56 seconds in. Tyler McNeely found the net, giving Bietigheim a 1:0 lead and igniting hopes for an away victory. The momentum continued to swing in the Steelers' favor when Christoph Kiefersauer scored in the 34th minute, extending their lead to 2:0. The atmosphere in the arena was electric as the Steelers fans celebrated.
However, the Scorpions were not to be outdone. Just before the second intermission, Jordan Knackstedt scored for Hannover, narrowing the gap to 2:1. This goal shifted the dynamics of the game, instilling a renewed sense of urgency in the Scorpions as they entered the final period.
The third period saw a dramatic turnaround. The Scorpions rallied, with Markus Eberhardt scoring twice within five minutes (47th and 52nd minutes), turning the tide in favor of Hannover and giving them a 3:2 lead. The crowd erupted as Eberhardt's second goal sent the home fans into a frenzy.
Despite the pressure mounting on the Steelers, they managed to equalize in dramatic fashion. With just 29 seconds left in regulation, Marek Racuk scored to tie the game at 3:3, sending the match into overtime. This late goal was a testament to Bietigheim's resilience and determination to stay in the fight.
In overtime, both teams had their chances, but it was the Scorpions who capitalized on a moment of hesitation from the Steelers. Pascal Aquin scored the decisive goal in the 70th minute, sending the ARS-Arena into a frenzy as the home team celebrated their hard-fought victory. The goal came after a swift counterattack, with Knackstedt driving the puck forward and setting up Aquin for the win.
After the game, SCB coach Alexander Dück expressed disappointment at the missed opportunities, emphasizing the need for his team to convert chances into goals. "We have to be more efficient in front of the net," he remarked, reflecting on the team’s struggle to finish plays effectively throughout the series.
Looking ahead, the Steelers will have a chance to regroup as they prepare for Game 6 on Sunday. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as they aim to stave off elimination and extend the series. The Scorpions, buoyed by their recent success, will look to leverage their momentum to clinch the championship.
As the series continues, fans are left on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what promises to be another thrilling encounter. Will the Steelers bounce back, or will the Scorpions seal their fate as champions? One thing is for certain: the excitement of playoff hockey is far from over.
