EHC Red Bull München Eliminated from DEL Playoffs After Semifinal Loss to Adler Mannheim

Adler Mannheim secured their place in the DEL playoff final with a 4-1 victory over EHC Red Bull München in Game 5 of the semifinal series on Friday, April 17, 2026. The win completed a 4-1 series triumph for Mannheim, ending Munich’s hopes of advancing to the championship round.

The game took place at the SAP Arena in Mannheim, where Adler Mannheim dominated from the outset. Kristian Reichel opened the scoring early in the first period, setting the tone for a performance that saw Mannheim control the pace throughout. Despite efforts from Munich’s offense, including a goal from Yasin Ehliz, Adler Mannheim maintained their lead and added three more goals to seal the victory.

With this result, Adler Mannheim advances to the DEL final, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal series. For EHC Red Bull München, the loss marks the end of their 2025-26 season, concluding their campaign in the semifinal stage of the playoffs.

Game Summary and Key Moments

Adler Mannheim struck first when Kristian Reichel found the back of the net just minutes into the game, giving the home team an early 1-0 lead. The goal came after sustained pressure in Munich’s defensive zone, highlighting Mannheim’s aggressive forecheck strategy.

EHC Red Bull München responded midway through the first period when Yasin Ehliz capitalized on a scoring chance to tie the game at 1-1. The goal showcased Ehliz’s offensive instincts and ability to capitalize on opportunities created by his teammates.

Yet, Adler Mannheim regained the lead later in the first period and never looked back. Additional goals from Mannheim extended their advantage to 4-1 by the final buzzer, ensuring a decisive victory that ended the series.

Throughout the contest, Mannheim’s defensive structure proved resilient, limiting Munich’s high-danger scoring chances. The Adler’s goaltender made several key saves to preserve the lead, while their forwards consistently pressured Munich’s defense.

Series Context and Implications

The victory in Game 5 gave Adler Mannheim a 4-1 series win over EHC Red Bull München, marking the fourth time in five games that Mannheim had defeated their rivals in this playoff series. Munich had won Game 4 earlier in the series to avoid elimination, but could not sustain the momentum needed to force a decisive Game 6.

For Adler Mannheim, advancing to the final represents a significant step toward capturing the DEL championship. The team will now await the outcome of the other semifinal series to determine their opponent in the championship round.

EHC Red Bull München’s season concludes with a semifinal exit, despite their strong regular season performance and earlier playoff success. The loss ends their bid to reach the final for the second consecutive year.

Player Performances

Yasin Ehliz was one of the few bright spots for EHC Red Bull München, scoring their only goal of the game. Ehliz has been a consistent contributor throughout the playoffs, and his goal in Game 5 highlighted his importance to Munich’s offensive efforts.

On the Mannheim side, Kristian Reichel’s early goal set the tone for the victory, while multiple players contributed to the scoring effort. Mannheim’s balanced attack and defensive discipline were key factors in their series-clinching performance.

Looking Ahead

Adler Mannheim will now focus on preparing for the DEL final, where they will compete for the championship title. The team will have several days to rest and prepare before the final series begins, allowing them to recover from the physical demands of the semifinal series.

For EHC Red Bull München, the focus shifts to the offseason, where the team will evaluate their performance and plan for the upcoming season. Players and coaches will review the season’s outcomes to identify areas for improvement as they prepare for next year’s campaign.

The DEL final is scheduled to begin in the coming days, with Adler Mannheim waiting to learn their opponent from the other semifinal series. Fans of both teams will be watching closely as the league’s championship picture becomes clearer.

As the DEL playoffs progress toward their conclusion, Adler Mannheim’s victory over EHC Red Bull München stands as a defining moment in the 2025-26 postseason. The result sends Mannheim to the final while bringing Munich’s season to a close.