Ice Tigers Maul Eislöwen 8-2, Frankfurt Win Tightens DEL Relegation battle
Dresden, Germany – 2024/11/17 – A brutal 8-2 defeat at the hands of the Frankfurt Löwen has plunged the Dresden Eislöwen deeper into a DEL relegation battle, compounded by a shocking upset win for Frankfurt against Mannheim. The loss, marked by significant physical play and injuries, leaves dresden clinging to survival in Germany’s top ice hockey league.
The eislöwen suffered a disastrous evening, falling behind early and unable to contain a relentless Frankfurt attack. The game took a violent turn when Dresden’s Karlsson took a stick to the face, reportedly losing several teeth and causing a significant blood flow in the first period (34th minute). Despite a goaltending change-Hudacek replaced by Janick Schwendener-Frankfurt continued to dominate, with goals from Dove-McFalls (40th minute) and Heigl (54th minute) extending their lead to 8-1. Austin Ortega managed a late consolation goal for Dresden at 58 minutes, making the final score 8-2.
Despite playing with six players sidelined due to penalties and injuries – Karlsson, Riedl, Granz (defense), Sykora, LeBlanc, and Rundqvist (offense) – the Eislöwen’s performance was deemed unacceptable. Frankfurt’s parallel 3-2 overtime victory against Mannheim further exacerbates Dresden’s precarious position. The Löwen now trail Dresden by only one point in the DEL standings, intensifying the pressure to secure points and avoid relegation.