The Eisbären Berlin won the Winter Game of the German Ice Hockey League (DEL) against the Dresden Eislöwen. In the sold-out Rudolf Harbig Stadium, where the second division soccer club Dynamo Dresden usually plays its home games, the German champions won against the bottom team on Saturday 3-2 (0-0, 1-1, 1-1, 1-0) after extra time.
In front of 32,248 spectators, Liam Kirk, who had already scored in regular time, scored the capital city team’s winning goal in overtime. Ty Ronning was also successful for the Berliners. Tomáš Andres and Alec McCrea scored for Dresden.
Dresden shows fighting performance
In frosty temperatures, the guests had more of the game in the opening third, especially since Dresden had a few early time penalties. However, the home team defended consistently and repeatedly became dangerous with counterattacks.
Shortly after the first third break, Dresden took the lead. Andres scored in the 25th minute. After conceding the goal, the Eisbären increased the pressure and equalized through Kirk (34th).
Kirk scores in overtime
In the final period, both teams missed a few good opportunities before McCrea took advantage of negligence on the part of the Berlin defense and scored the hosts’ second goal (54′).
The Dresden team continued to defend with great effort, but Ronning was able to force extra time for the capital city team with a late equalizer (59′). It only took 14 seconds in overtime for Kirk to secure Berlin’s victory with his second goal.
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