Krefeld Pinguine dominate playoffs with 4-0 shutout over Landshut
Krefeld Pinguine (KEV) have stormed into the DEL2 semifinals after a commanding 4-0 victory over Landshut in the quarterfinals. The team's strong playoff run has captured the city's attention, with fans rallying behind their black-and-yellow colours. Public screenings of games and widespread displays of support show just how much KEV means to Krefeld this season. KEV entered the playoffs as the top-seeded team, having won the regular season title in 2023/24. Their dominance continued with four straight playoff wins, culminating in a shutout against Landshut. Captain Alexander Weiß spoke after the match, calling the result a relief but stressing the need to stay focused and humble.
The semifinals will begin on Maundy Thursday in a best-of-seven series. As the highest-ranked team, KEV will face the lowest remaining seed. Their opponent depends on the outcomes of two ongoing series. If the Lausitz Foxes (7th place) upset Kassel (2nd place), they will meet KEV next. If Kassel prevails, the penguins will play the winner of the Regensburg (6th place) vs. Rosenheim (3rd place) matchup. Support for the team has surged across Krefeld. Black-and-yellow flags featuring a defiant penguin now line streets, while local pubs and restaurants host packed screenings of every game. The city's enthusiasm reflects KEV's growing reputation as a force in German ice hockey.
KEV's semifinal series starts later this week, with the first game scheduled for Maundy Thursday. The team's path to the DEL2 title will depend on their performance in the coming matches. Fans, meanwhile, continue to show unwavering support as the city awaits the next round.
