Mannheim and Ingolstadt into semis in 5

Adler Mannheim - Hamburg Freezers 3:1

In front of more than 10.000 spectators the guests from Hamburg did everything to prevent going out of playoffs but in the end Mannheim won without major difficulties. Already after 55 seconds Ken Megowan brought the home side in front. In an even first period Michael Glumac extended the lead in the second Mannheim power play - just nine second before it would have ended so that Freezers player Kevin Schmidt could return early to Hamburg's bench. In the middle period both teams did their best to improve the result for themselves and Mannheim was the first to score. Around "half time" Christoph Ullmann in another power play made it 3-0, followed four minutes later by a goal from Aleksander Polaczek. In the third the Eagles concentrated on keeping the two goal difference and allowed only another five shots on goal, all saved by goalie Fred Brathwaite.

Mannheims wins series 4-1

ERC Ingolstadt - DEG Metro Stars 4:3

For the third time Düsseldorf managed to keep their away game in Ingolstadt close but also for the third time Ingolstadt was the luckier side.

In Friday's match the DEG Metro Stars were not always concentrated enough for a playoff quarterfinal that you have to win to stay in the competition. The guests had a nice start with a goal by Patrick Reimer in the 9th minute. Almost 20 minutes later Evan Kaufmann even extended the away lead in the middle of the second period. This should have given Düsseldorf a lot of confidence but instead provoked a reaction from Ingolstadt whose Rick Girard cut the lead just 45 seconds after the 0-2. In period number 3 only a 45 second-span was enough to decide the game and the series for Ingolstadt. In the 11th and 12th minute Thomas Greilinger, Jeff Likens and Rick Girard with his second of the night, turned the match around to a comfortable 4-2 lead. Just two minutes later Düsseldorf had come over the shock and Andrew Roach brought them back to just one goal. At the end an clearly dominating ERC Ingolstadt which had 46-22 shots on goal was the deserved winner. 

Ingolstadt wins series 4-1

The DEL playoffs will continue with the semifinals on Thursday, 5 April. Ingolstadt will face Mannheim and regular season winners Eisbären Berlin will meet the Straubing Tigers who also swept their opponents in the quarterfinals.

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