DEL Playoffs: Series preview before the quarter-final against Adler Mannheim

Friday, 14. March 2025 | DEL Playoffs: Series preview before the quarter-final against Adler Mannheim

Two heavyweights face off in the playoff dance: series preview for the quarter-final against Mannheim// PLAYOFFS#FürDenCup! On Sunday afternoon, Red Bull München will start in the DEL playoffs at Adler Mannheim. Game one of the best-of-seven quarter-final series in the Kurpfalz region kicks off at 2:00 pm (live on MagentaSport, Sportdeutschland.TV and on our blog).

With the necessary focus and full of anticipation, the Red Bulls have been preparing intensively for the “coolest” time of the year in training over the past few days. Taro Hirose was also there. Our second-best point scorer in the main round (43 points) is fit again and ready for action, as Christian Winkler (Managing Director Sports Red Bull Eishockey) announced on Wednesday as part of the Open Locker Room. Top scorer Chris DeSousa (52 points) will be back on the ice from game three onwards, when his ban comes to an end.

So everything is ready and we can finally get started. “Playoff ice hockey is very special for everyone. Everyone is full of energy and eager to get started,” said forward Nico Krämmer. For the Landshut native, as well as for his teammate Markus Eisenschmid, a very special series is about to begin. After all, both will face their former club for the first time in the playoffs in the duel with Mannheim. “Of course, I have a very special relationship with the Adler, and my two children were born there. I'm looking forward to it,” said Krämmer in advance. Tickets are still available for the home games against Mannheim on March 19 (7:30 p.m.) and March 23 (7:00 p.m.).

“It's about us and our game”

Our two forwards expect a close and hard-fought series in which the famous little things will make a big difference. The main round has already provided a taste of this. München won its two home games 5-4 and 2-0, while the Adler prevailed 4-1 at home in each of their games.

Highlights: EHC Red Bull München vs. Adler Mannheim (02/03/2025)

// DEL - HIGHLIGHTS

The two teams know each other well and are aware of their opponent's playing style. “We have already discussed Mannheim, the trends and the roles of some of their players,” reported Eisenschmid. “But basically it's about us and our game,” emphasized the 30-year-old. And the guys of coach Don Jackson want to bring this onto the ice from Sunday!

Red Bulls top in short-handed play

It is quite possible that short-handed play will be an important factor in the series against the Kurpfälzer. Penaltykilling has worked brilliantly for München in recent months, with 81.9 percent being the best in the league! However, Mannheim was also strong in this department, with a 81 percent penalty kill rate (fourth in the league).

“It will also be about being able to keep a cool head in different situations,” said Eisenschmid. In other words, avoiding penalties if possible. But otherwise, the Red Bulls know what to do when they are on the short end.

Series hattrick against Mannheim

Overall, this is the third time we have faced the Adler in the final round. The first time was in the 2018 playoff semi-finals, when München won clearly with 4:1. A few days later, we celebrated our third consecutive title.

Mannheim got the upper hand a year later in the final series with 4:1. At the same time, our longest playoff run since being promoted in 2010 came to an end after eleven consecutive series won (from 2016 to 2019).

Strong at home and a deep line-up

Our opponents from the city of squares finished the regular season in fourth place this season, but with four defeats in their last five games, their form has been declining somewhat recently. But: at home in particular, Dallas Eakins' team has been hard to beat. Their 18 home wins were only surpassed by ERC Ingolstadt (19). In addition, their defense has been quite stable for the most part, with only 138 goals conceded (third place).

Our reporter Dominik Bittner accompanies the Open Locker Room 2025

A duo accounted for the majority of the 160 goals scored (fifth place). Forward Luke Esposito (16 goals, 22 assists) and defenseman Leon Gawanke (eight goals, 30 assists) each finished with 38 points. The most accurate player was Kristian Reichel, who scored 17 times. Overall, the Eagles, who include former München player Austin Ortega in their lineup, have four fairly even and deep lines, as well as a well-functioning collective. In goal, they will likely have Arno Tiefensee or Felix Brückmann, who have been taking turns to play for much of the regular season.

“We have put in a lot of work, now comes crunch time. Every millimeter can be decisive. Now we want to implement what we have prepared,” Krämmer made clear in conclusion. Let's get to it!