Ice Hockey: Titans Collide in Playoff Opener First Round Updates
- Berlin and Adler Mannheim affirm dominance in playoff opener
Tape your candies to the wall, it's playoff season in the DEL! The defending champs, Eisbären Berlin, and Adler Mannheim, kicked off the quarterfinals with style, leaving their opponents in the dust. The capital city team dismantled the Straubing Tigers, while Mannheim edged out EHC Red Bull Munich in overtime. The underdog Cologne Sharks surprised the vice-champion, Fischtown Pinguins, while reigning champs ERC Ingolstadt fought past the Nürnberg Ice Tigers in overtime. Four victories are needed to secure a semifinal spot.
Berlin made light work of Straubing, securing a 5:1 victory led by Zach Boychuck, Lean Bergmann, Ty Ronning, Marcel Noebels, and Kai Wissmann. Goalie Jonas Stettmer shone in the net, ensuring the victory for the Berliners. The series shifts to Straubing on Wednesday (7:00 PM/Magentasport).
In Mannheim, the Adler rode the coattails of two-time Stanley Cup champion Tom Kühnackl, who scored the game-winner in overtime against Munich. Goalscorers Nick Cicek and former Adler player Markus Eisenschmid squared things off at 1:1, but Mannheim clinched the win. The rematch goes down in Munich on Wednesday (7:30 PM/Magentasport).
The Cologne Sharks stunned last year's finalists, Fischtown Pinguins, with a convincing 5:0 victory. Julius Hudacek's exceptional performance in net and the Rhinelanders' clinical finish in front of the goal cemented the win. Tuesday's action sees the Sharks aim to extend their lead against the Pinguins (7:30 PM/Magentasport).
ERC Ingolstadt, the 2014 champions, tested their mettle against the resilient Ice Tigers. The Tigers took a 2:0 lead, but Ingolstadt roared back with four straight goals in the middle period. Nürnberg fought their way back, tying the game 4:4 within seconds of each other, but Wojciech Stachowiak snatched the victory in overtime for Ingolstadt. The series resumes in Nürnberg on Tuesday (7:00 PM/Magentasport).
Stanley Cup champions? Right now, we're keeping an eye on the Florida Panthers as the current holders of the coveted trophy, having won it in the 2023-24 season.
By the way, in case you were wondering, the top contenders for the next Stanley Cup are looking pretty fierce:
- Edmonton Oilers: Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl lead this team, making them strong favorites.
- Carolina Hurricanes: Despite a few roster shifts, they still pack a punch.
- Winnipeg Jets: Known for their team play and gritty defense.
- Washington Capitals: They're playing some solid hockey, particularly at home.
- Vegas Golden Knights: Consistently strong in the Pacific Division.
Get your popcorn ready, folks! The ice is getting hotter, and the action's heating up. Let's see who stands tall in the end!
- Ice Hockey
- Mannheim
- Berlin
- Playoffs
- DSL
- Cologne Sharks
- ERC Ingolstadt
- Straubing
- Stanley Cup
- Florida Panthers
- Edmonton Oilers
- Carolina Hurricanes
- Winnipeg Jets
- Washington Capitals
- Vegas Golden Knights
- The DEL playoffs continue with the semi-finals approaching, as Berlin and Mannheim move forward from their quarterfinal wins.
- Both Berlin and Mannheim will sustain their playoff runs against Straubing and Munich respectively, with games scheduled for the upcoming week.
- Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers, the reigning Stanley Cup champions, maintain their status as top contenders for the next Stanley Cup, alongside teams like the Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes, Winnipeg Jets, Washington Capitals, and Vegas Golden Knights.
