DEL: Munich, Berlin and Mannheim in semi-finals

Defending champion Red Bull Munich, the Eisbären Berlin and the Adler Mannheim reached the DEL play-off semi-finals early.

Munich defeated the blatant underdog Fischtown Penguins Bremerhaven at home 4-1 (1:0, 1:0, 2:1) and is now unbeatably in the lead after the fifth game in the best-of-seven series with 4:1.

In a nerve-racking thriller against Grizzly’s Wolfsburg 7:6 (1:2, 3:1, 2:3, 1:0) after extra time, Mitfavorit Berlin also won the semi-final ticket with 4:1 wins – just like the Adler, who defeated the ERC Ingolstadt with 4:3 (2:0, 2:2, 0:1).

Meanwhile, Nürnberg Ice Tigers have taken the lead with their first home win in the play-off quarter-finals against Cologne’s sharks. The Franconians won 3:2 (2:0, 1:2, 0:0), leading 3:2 after the fifth game of the best-of-seven series. On Sunday (17.00/Telekom Sport) Nuremberg can reach the semi-finals with a victory in Cologne.

“It was a great game, especially for the spectators,” said two-time Berlin goalscorer Marcel Noebels at Telekom Sport: “Wolfsburg has once again shown comeback qualities. “I’m glad we won, now the semi-final’s waiting.”

Munich dominated the match with goals from Michael Wolf (14th), Jason Jaffray (38th), Markus Lauridsen (44th) and Olympic runner Frank Mauer (48th). Rylan Schwartz (53.) shortened for Bremerhaven. Jamie MacQueen (63rd) scored the redemptive goal in extra time for the Berlin Polar Bears.

The Mannheim team benefited from two goals ahead by Phil Hungerecker (2nd) and Olympic runner-up David Wolf (11th). Silver medal winner Yasin Ehliz (34th) scored the decisive goal for Nürnberg.