Berlin and Straubing make semifinals with a sweep

Kölner Haie - Eisbären Berlin 0:3
As in the previous three matches Cologne was never really close to a victory. Again the special teams were a key factor for the Sharks' loss in front of almost 10,000 spectators in the Lanxess Arena. All three periods were pretty even regarding shots on goal and puck possession but that's not worth anything if you don't score. With the self-confidence after three consecutive wins in this series, Berlin showed the home side how to do it better. Late in the second period the Polar Bears were rewarded by a goal from Florian Busch who opened the score for his team in the 37th in the second of only two power play of his team when Philipp Gogulla had to go to the penalty box for tripping. Shortly after this Berlin's Barry Tallackson had to leave the ice during two minutes for hitting an opposing player with his stick. But instead of Cologne's equalizer, the Polar Bars extended their lead with a shorthanded goal by Frank Hördler. In the last period Berlin only allowed six shots on goal from the Sharks. With more than two minutes to go a once more good Sharks goalie Danny aus den Birken was substituted by an additional attacker but only five seconds later Sven Felski found the empty net to make the sweep perfect.

Berlin wins series 4-0

Straubing Tigers - Grizzly Adams Wolfsburg 7:3
The first three matches of the series did not leave a lot of hope for Wolfsburg for a come back. At least they tried to extend the series to another home game and even had a lead after period number one when Colin Beardsmore scored for them in the 17th. A terrible middle period then led to a clear home victory for Straubing. The Tigers only had to wait 39 seconds until Bernhard Keil scored the equalizer in a 5 on 3 after an assist by French international Laurent Meunier who three minutes later did himself the 2-1. Eurohockey player for the month of January 2012, Matt Hussey, and Bruno St. Jacques made it 4-1 after 40 minutes. Again Matt Hussey and Carsen Germyn were succesful at the beginning of the third period to destroy all efforts created by the guests. Norm Milley and Kai Hospelt in the last 20 minutes for Wolfsburg and Daniel Sparre for Straubing made the 7-3 final result perfect. 

Straubing wins series 4-0

Hamburg Freezers - Adler Mannheim 1:3
After their surprising away win in Mannheim the Freezers had cut the lead of the Eagles in this series to just one. With their home fans in the back they wanted to tie the best-of-seven series and had the better start with a lot of good chances. But as it has to come if you don't score, the opponent won't wait to do so. Despite 17 to 8 shots for Hamburg in the middle period, it was Mannheim's Frank Mauer who made it 0-1 with only five minutes to go in the second. In a very eaven last period again the ending phase was decisive. First Craig MacDonald made it 0-2 with three minutes left on the clock, then Freezers player Serge Aubin scored after his team pulled out the goalie for another attacker with 1:10 left to go. With 14 seconds remaining, Adam Mitchell's empty netter brought the decision for Mannheim which now can win the series at home in just five games.

Mannheim leads 3-1 in the series

DEG Metro Stars - ERC Ingolstadt 1-6
In the first three matches of the series Düsseldorf had lost the two away games in Ingolstadt very close but managed to win the home game very comfortable. Now in game four everything went wrong for the hosts, especially due to the performance of one man - Thomas Greilinger who scored four goals. At the end of an even first period Thomas Greilinger brought Ingolstadt in front. Although Evan Kaufmann tied the match in the 24th in a power play, another two Greilinger goals made it 1-3 until "half time". Early in the third his goal number four of the evening brought the decision. Instead of fighting back, Düsseldorf even allowed another two goals by Joe Motzko and Jared Ross - the later one in power play.

Ingolstadt leads 3-1 in the series

 

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