Cologne (dpa) – The favorites prevailed in the end: EHC Red Bull Munich and Adler Mannheim are in the playoff semifinals of the German Ice Hockey League.
Munich got their fourth success on Sunday at the Fischtown Pinguins from Bremerhaven with 2:1 (0:0, 1:1, 1:0) and won the best-of-seven series with 4:2. Mannheim won 3-2 (0-1, 3-1, 0-0) at the Kölner Haie and also won the series 4-2. On the other hand, the Grizzlys Wolfsburg equalized with a 4:3 (1:1, 0:1, 2:1, 1:0) after extra time against the Straubing Tigers to make it 3:3.
With the fifth away win in the sixth meeting of the spectacular quarter-final series, the Adler Mannheim made it into the top four clubs. What was surprising, however, was the “man of the series” appointed by Adler trainer Bill Stewart at Magentasport: goalkeeper Arno Tiefensee.
Tiefensee saved his team several times in the third period from the constant pressure in Cologne. “I was just doing my job. I’m only doing what I like: playing ice hockey,” said the goalie cautiously. “It was a team success. I can’t win the game alone.” Mannheim is now playing at ERC Ingolstadt in the first semi-final.
It initially looked good for the sharks. Maximilian Kammerer gave the Rhinelanders the lead from ex-national coach Uwe Krupp (20th minute). Then David Wolf (24′), Matthias Plachta (30′) and Borna Rendulic (31′) turned the game around. Andreas Thuresson’s connection (35th) didn’t help anymore. “It was a great series, but Mannheim was a bit better in crucial situations,” complained Haie captain Moritz Müller.
Cologne coach Krupp was not dissatisfied despite the disappointment. “I’ve been proud of the team all season. The squad has morale and good leaders. They’re fun to work with,” said the former NHL pro.
The main round first EHC Red Bull Munich was able to qualify for the semi-finals in the end. Phillip Bruggisser (24th) gave Bremerhaven the lead in front of 4,631 spectators. Goals from national player Yasin Ehliz (30th) and Austin Ortega (52nd) brought the title favorites the fourth success they needed to the Isar after the surprising 0:2 deficit in the series. “We’re very happy. We got the wake-up call from the two defeats and then reacted really well,” said the winning goalscorer Ortega.
In Wolfsburg, Spencer Machacek’s goal in the 62nd minute marked the acclaimed 4:3 winner for the Grizzlys, who can hope for a place in the semi-finals in game seven on Tuesday in Straubing.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:230326-99-95618/5
