The top teams have qualified for the semi-finals in the playoffs of the German Ice Hockey League. From April 20th, however, there will no longer be any favorites in the duels.
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Are drawn as the last DEL team in the semi-finals of the playoffs: Grizzlys Wolfsburg. (Image: dpa)
(Photo: Uwe Anspach/dpa)
Wolfsburg – The traditional duel between the defending champions Eisbären Berlin and the Adler Mannheim is the highlight of the semi-final playoffs of the German Ice Hockey League.
“It’s a huge challenge,” said Adler manager Jan-Axel Alavaara. The entry of the Grizzlies Wolfsburg into the round of the top four made the clash between the main round champions Berlin and Mannheim from April 20 (7:30 p.m. / Magentasport) perfect. Wolfsburg is a guest in the second semi-final at EHC Red Bull Munich.
“We plowed, fought, blocked”
On Monday, Lower Saxony qualified as the last team for the semi-finals by beating the Fischtown Pinguins from Bremerhaven 2-0 in the decider. Tyler Gaudet (6th minute) and Spencer Machacek (59th) made the 3:2 success in the series perfect. “Today we were very strong,” enthused Wolfsburg coach Mike Stewart. “We plowed, fought, blocked.”
The Grizzlies were clearly favored in the last quarter-final game against Bremerhaven, now they are more of an outsider in their first appearance in Munich. Don Jackson’s team beat Düsseldorfer EG 3-1 in the quarter-finals. But the self-confidence of Wolfsburg has increased significantly. “We have to win three times again,” said goalkeeper Dustin Strahlmeier, who was outstanding against Bremerhaven. “It doesn’t matter who.”
There are no big favorites between Berlin and Mannheim. Even though the Eisbären were the only team to remain unbeaten with a 3-0 win over the Kölner Haie and had the best record in the main round with 35 wins this season. After the change of coach from Pavel Gross to Bill Stewart, Mannheim got into top form in good time. “It will be a determination of where we are in terms of performance,” said manager Alavaara.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:220418-99-954928/3
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