Preview DEL, matchday 41: EHC Red Bull München visit the Cologne Sharks

Monday, 27. January 2025 | Preview DEL, matchday 41: EHC Red Bull München visit the Cologne Sharks

A duel between neighbors in the table: Red Bulls want to go one better against the Kölner Haie// DEL - PREVIEWIn the last game of their away three-pack, the Red Bulls face the Kölner Haie on Tuesday at 7:30 pm. As usual, you can follow the clash between the two rivals live on MagentaSport, Sportdeutschland.TV and on our blog.

The Red Bulls and the Haie are separated by just one point after 40 matchdays. Coach Don Jackson's team go into the game in fifth place in the table, with Köln lurking just behind. With another win, our team could pull away from sixth place. Jonathon Blum is also aware of this and wants to celebrate for the third time in a row after the victories in Berlin (3:2 after penalty shoot-out) and Wolfsburg (4:1).

Highlights: Grizzlys Wolfsburg vs. EHC Red Bull München (26.01.2025)

// DEL - HIGHLIGHTS

"The away games right now are tests of character and I hope we pass the one in Cologne as well," said our defender after the win in Wolfsburg on Sunday. He himself contributed two assists to the win in the Autostadt. Teammate Chris DeSosua, who scored twice and now has 100 DEL goals, was also able to celebrate.

Ancicka's shutout rounds off a perfect Sharks weekend

The Haie were also able to celebrate twice at the weekend: Coach Kari Jalonen's team won at Düsseldorfer EG (7:4) and at Löwen Frankfurt (2:0). Goaltender Tobias Ancicka, who had been injured for a long time, played a big part in the away win at the Löwen on Sunday, stopping all 22 shots on goal by the Hessians. With his shutout in only his fourth appearance in this first round, Ancicka made his first mark.

Finn faction grows: Successful Rantakari debut

New signing Otso Rantakari played his first minutes in a Haie jersey. The Finn came in as a replacement for Nick Bailen, with whom the Sharks agreed to terminate his contract at the end of December. Rantakari impressed straight away on his debut in Frankfurt. The new KEC defenseman is no stranger to our players, as he played 51 games for the Augsburg Panthers last season.

Highlights: Kölner Haie vs. EHC Red Bull München (03.01.2025)

// DEL - HIGHLIGHTS

However, Rantakari is still waiting for his first point in a Haie jersey. His compatriot Juhani Tyrväinen has it in the bag. Last weekend, the forward was one of Kölns most conspicuous players with three points in two games. In terms of scoring, there is no way around Alexandre Grenier for the KEC.

The physically strong Canadian tops the internal list with 33 points, despite missing six games. Other factors in the offense are Gregor MacLeod, Louis-Marc Aubry and Justin Schütz.

Blum: "Everyone knows what needs to be done"

Kölns attacking department must not be allowed to develop on Tuesday. Our record in the cathedral city is certainly impressive: We have won twelve of our last 14 away games.

However, we have lost three times so far this season. That should change in the fourth encounter. "Everyone knows what needs to be done," said Blum, looking ahead to the game in Köln. The goal is clear: a third win in a row under Don Jackson.