In the head-to-head race for the top spot in the German Ice Hockey League (DEL), the Eisbären Berlin pulled away from their previously tied pursuer Fischtown Pinguins Bremerhaven in an early game on matchday 44. On Tuesday (January 30, 2024), Berlin stayed on track with previous series winners Düsseldorfer EG with 3:1 (2:0, 1:0, 0:1).
Bremerhaven, on the other hand, also fell three points behind the capital team on Tuesday at the Kölner Haien due to their second away defeat in a row, at least temporarily 2:3 (0:1, 2:1, 0:1).
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Polar bears ensure clear conditions early on
Berlin made things clear early on for DEG, which has recently won five times in a row. Frederik Tiffels (4th) and Marcel Noebels (9th) established the reassuring 2-0 lead before the first third siren. Tobias Eder (26th) sealed DEG’s first defeat on their own ice after three home wins in a row. Düsseldorf, which scored a consolation goal through Brendan O’Donnell (59th), missed out on consolidating its pre-play-off place. The party was an early game on the 44th matchday of the DEL.
Frederik Storm with the winning goal
With their success against Bremerhaven, Cologne improved their chances of qualifying directly for the play-offs. Frederik Storm (56th) completed the hosts’ first win after three defeats in a row after the Northern Lights canceled out the Haie’s 2-0 lead. In the fight for the six fixed play-off places, Cologne is only one point behind sixth-placed Grizzlys Wolfsburg.
Burkhard Hupe, Sportschau, January 30, 2024 9:49 p.m
Nuremberg started well
On Sunday afternoon (January 28, 2024), the Berliners won 4-1 (0-1, 1-0, 3-0) against the Nuremberg Ice Tigers and thus took over the lead in the table from the Fischtown Pinguins Bremerhaven, who had no games. Tobias Eder and Leonhard Pföderl each contributed two goals to Berlin’s success.
In front of 7,048 spectators in the Nuremberg Arena, the guests started strongly and were unlucky as they only hit the post twice in the opening minutes. However, when the Berliners incurred their first time penalty, the home team took the initiative on the ice. Immediately after the Ice Tigers’ first power play, Danjo Leonhardt gave Nuremberg the lead.
The strong and determined hosts now dominated the game, but missed a few good opportunities. The capital city team was able to equalize in the second half of the game. Eder took advantage of a fine preparatory work from Frederik Tiffels.
Strong Berlin final third
The Berliners, who were supported by more than 1,000 traveling fans, now increased their game and managed to secure a clear victory in the final third. Pföderl scored two goals before Eder made the decision again shortly before the end of the game.
DEG celebrates fifth win in a row
The Düsseldorfer EG can look further ahead after their fifth win in a row. Thanks to the 4:2 (2:1, 0:1, 2:0) win over bottom team Iserlohn Roosters, the fears of relegation are reduced and DEG took tenth place, which entitles them to take part in the pre-playoffs. Alexander Blank (47th) and Kevin Clark (59th) scored in the final third to win.
Meanwhile, Red Bull Munich suffered a setback in the debut of the returnee Emil Johannsen. At the Mannheim Adler, the champions suffered a 2:3 defeat (0:1, 1:2, 1:0) and were temporarily 0 after goals from Tyler Gaudet (20th) and Kris Bennett (23rd/32nd): 3 at the back. The comeback by Patrick Hager (38th) and Christopher DeSousa (53rd) came too late.
Schwenningen passes Munich
The Munich team had to give up fourth place to the Schwenninger Wild Wings, who won 5:2 (1:0, 1:1, 3:1) against the relegation-threatened Augsburg Panthers with double packer Matthew Puempel (39th/45th). The pursuers and sixth-placed Grizzlys Wolfsburg won a wild game against the Löwen Frankfurt away with 5:4 (1:1, 4:2, 1:0).
The Straubing Tigers consolidated third place with a 4:2 (1:1, 0:1, 3:0) against ERC Ingolstadt. In addition to the goals, Mark Zengerle (45th) and Marcel Brandt (41st) had two assists, while Parker Tuomie (19th) and JC Lipon (59th) scored the other goals. Philipp Krauß scored the two ERC goals (18th/36th).
