The play-off kings Eisbären Berlin are reaching for their tenth title in the DEL thanks to match winner Ty Ronning. Two days after the longest final in German ice hockey history, the well-rested record champions won the intense fourth play-off final against the Fischtown Pinguins, first in the main round, 4-1 (1-0, 0-1, 3-0) and earned a place in the best-of-seven series (3:1) three championship match points.
“It’s a team success. We had good momentum. The series is not over yet, we still have a way to go,” said Ronning at MagentaSport. His coach Serge Aubin added: “The fourth win is always the hardest.”
The Eisbären, who have won eight play-off series in a row, have their first chance for the title on Friday (7.30 p.m./MagentaSport) in Bremerhaven. Ronning (18th, 48th, 56th), who again replaced the injured top scorer Marcel Noebels in the front row, became the match winner with three goals, two in the power play. Frederik Tiffels (59th) made the decision. Phillip Bruggisser (32nd) also scored the equalizer in the majority.
Eisbären again without an Olympic hero
Bremerhaven won game one 4:2, Berlin won the second (5:3) and third (2:1 nV). Berlin took the lead last Sunday with a victory in the longest final in DEL history. Bremerhaven head coach Thomas Popiesch said: “You have to be able to shake off the late knockout in a series and suppress it. It will be back to business from the first minute.”
However, the polar bears provided the first pressure phase on Tuesday – and again without Noebels. The key player apparently suffered a knee injury in a duel on the boards in the second duel, the 2018 Olympic silver hero and vice world champion was missing, as he was in the third duel.
Berlin still had more chances, but initially didn’t make enough of it. Bremerhaven had a difficult time getting into the game in the first third and was only closer to the lead on the first power play of the evening. Ronning then took care of this in the majority for the hosts.
Ronning crowns his strong performance
The Penguins, who had previously often been harmless offensively, turned up the heat in the second third. Bremerhaven shifted the action almost entirely in front of Jake Hildebrand’s goal, who proved to be a reliable support for the Eisbären for a long time. Bruggisser broke the spell for Bremerhaven. The polar bears woke up from their temporary lethargy. The final newcomer from Waterkant remained dangerous until the second ice break.
Berlin shook off the weak second half, several penalties for Bremerhaven made the situation more difficult for the guests, who were lucky when Thomas Schemitsch hit the crossbar (52nd). Ty Ronning crowned his strong performance with the third goal. Tiffels put the lid on it.