Ice Hockey - DEG & High just one win away from quarter-finals

Cologne (DPA) – Rhenish rivals Düsseldorfer EG and Kölner are only one victory away from the playoff quarter-finals in the German Ice Hockey League.

The two Old Masters each won the first game of the pre-playoff round, requiring two wins to advance. This was particularly intense when DEG scored 3-2 (2-0, 1-2, 0-0) at the Nuremberg Ice Tigers. In a fast-paced and aggressive game, the Rhinelanders started better without head coach Harold Kreis, who had traveled to his native Canada for personal reasons, and was the better keeper in Mirko Pantkowski in their first DEL playoff game.

The team, which is currently being coached by assistant coach Thomas Dolak, is likely to explain everything to its spectators on Thursday. Kreis will still be missing there as well. “It was not easy for us. We said we would do it for Harry,” said defensive veteran Bernhard Ebner at Magentasport. It was Düsseldorf’s fifth win in the fifth game of the season against Nuremberg.

It was not as intense in Cologne’s 4:3 (1:1, 2:1, 1:1) against ERC Ingolstadt at Nuremberg. Over 10,000 spectators rejoiced at the in-form High’s consistent and patient victory. “That’s what you play for,” said match winner Landon Ferraro, looking at the background. High has a bit harder now than DEG, as Cologne has to play on Thursday. “It was a close game. We are definitely ready for our home game,” said Ingolstad attacker Jerome Fleck.

Whether a third game is necessary to decide, it will be on Friday. The quarter-final series will start on Sunday. So far, the pairings between Wolfsburg and Bremerhaven and Straubing and Mannheim have been fixed there. The defending champions Eisbrün Berlin and runners-up EHC Red Bull Munich play against the winners of the pre-playoffs.

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