Tuesday, 11. March 2025 | Tobias Rieder of EHC Red Bull München in an interview about the DEL playoffs
“It helps to have a short-term memory.”Former NHL star Tobias Rieder faces his first DEL playoffs// INTERVIEWThis Sunday, we kick off this year's playoffs with the quarter-final against Mannheim. Ahead of the game, former NHL pro Tobias Rieder talks about the differences between the NHL playoffs, his experiences and what matters in the fight for the championship.Servus Tobi, after a long career abroad, you are now set to play in your first PENNY DEL playoffs. How does that feel?
Tobias Rieder: "I think it's similar in most leagues, but of course you're really looking forward to it. We've been working towards it all summer and the whole season and to be rewarded with the playoffs feels great. You can feel the euphoria in the team and among the fans, so I'm glad it's about to start.“
You've already had playoff experience in the NHL and in the Swedish top league, among others, and now your first playoff games in the DEL are on the program. Where do you see the main differences?
Rieder: ”Of course, the difference to the NHL in the US is a bit bigger in general, especially with the smaller ice surface. I would say that the style of play is quite different on a smaller ice surface. This changes the game immensely and makes it a lot faster, especially in the hard-fought playoffs. In the Svenska Hockeyligan in Sweden, it is similar to the DEL. There, similar to this country, a lot of emphasis is placed on structure and defense. All in all, I would say that there are differences to the NHL in particular.”
Is there a particular playoff experience that stands out in your mind?
Rieder: "Yes, definitely 2023, when I not only made the playoffs with the Växjö Lakers in Sweden, but also ended up winning the championship. That was something special, as it was my first championship at the professional level. You always look back on a milestone like that with fondness.”
The playoff beard has become something of a tradition in ice hockey. Are such rituals something for you too?
Rieder: “Yes, I guess so (laughs). I always grow my beard, it's part of me. But other than that, I don't really have any special rituals.”
What are you taking from your previous experiences into the upcoming playoffs and to what extent could they help you in the crucial phase?
Rieder: "It's always hard to say, but I think what always helps in the playoffs is to have a short memory, no matter what. Because it always goes on within a few days. That means if you lose a game or even win a game, you shouldn't think about it for too long, but instead prepare for the next game. I think that's very important in the playoffs.”
What do we think is the key to success in this year's playoffs and in the series against Mannheim?
Rieder: "I think if we stay true to our style of play, it will be hard to beat us. We are well-positioned tactically, we know what we have to do on the ice and we can rely on good individual players. If we can bring all of this onto the ice, we have a realistic chance of winning the title.”
The playoff dates at a glance:
•
Quarter-final 1: Sunday, March 16, 2:00 pm | Adler Mannheim – EHC Red Bull München
•
Quarter-final 2: Wednesday, March 19, 7:30 pm | EHC Red Bull München – Adler Mannheim - get your tickets now
•
Quarter-final 3: Friday, March 21, 7:30 pm | Adler Mannheim – EHC Red Bull München
•
Quarter-final 4: Sunday, March 23, 7:00 p.m. | EHC Red Bull München – Adler Mannheim - get your tickets now
Mit Video
Successful partnership continues: Autobus Oberbayern remains Red Bulls team bus partner// PARTNER
Mit Galerie
Ticket sales, game mode, dates: What you need to know before the playoffs// CURRENT
Mit Video
Facts, figures, stats: Red Bulls can go into the playoffs with confidence// LATEST NEWS
Mit Video
Successful partnership continues: Autobus Oberbayern remains Red Bulls team bus partner// PARTNER
Mit Galerie
Ticket sales, game mode, dates: What you need to know before the playoffs// CURRENT
Mit Video
Facts, figures, stats: Red Bulls can go into the playoffs with confidence// LATEST NEWS
