The Mannheim feeling is also needed in Zurich

Serge Aubin’s voice seemed very affected after the 5-2 win against Adler Mannheim on Sunday afternoon. The polar bears’ trainer probably caught the cold symptoms typical of this time of year.

If you watched the Canadian more closely in the last two home games, it was clear that the current phase is demanding a lot from him. And he has to speak intensively to his team.

Aubin usually briefly analyzes the individual phases and periods after a game. On Sunday, however, he praised the decimated team almost effusively for the reaction they had shown after the frustrating 4-1 defeat against Munich on Friday. Aubin said: “Our commitment was there, the boys showed character. I’m really proud of how they stuck together.”

After half of the main round, the bare numbers speak for a successful half series. With 55 points after 26 games, the Eisbären have an average of 2.1 points per game. They are only three points in second place behind league leaders ERC Ingolstadt, who have been playing in a frenzy for weeks.

Mitch Reinke’s injury is a serious loss

But that’s just one side. Numerous failures disrupt the rhythm and disrupt well-rehearsed rituals. In particular, the serious shoulder injury to defender Mitch Reinke, who played an important role in both the build-up and the power play, is a bitter setback.

While you don’t really have to worry about the offense, even if there have been some problems with the completion rate recently, the foundation in defense is much more shaky. At the moment, Aubin has no choice but to rely on the players who are actually fit to play. And that’s currently exactly six. The last available license will likely come due for another defenseman at some point, unless Reinke’s recovery from surgery is surprisingly rapid.

It is also noticeable that the goalkeeping performance is currently not at the level of the previous season. So far there hasn’t been a single game without conceding a goal. Jonas Stettmer’s catch rate, who held strong against Mannheim, is 91.16 percent. Jake Hildbrand currently only has 89.34 percent. There is still plenty of room for improvement here.

Polar bears have to catch up in Zurich

The next big task is already on Tuesday. In the quarter-final second leg of the Champions Hockey League, the Berliners have to make up a deficit against the ZSC Lions from Zurich after their unfortunate 3-4 home defeat (7.45 p.m., sportdeutschland.tv). “Against one of the best teams in Europe,” as Aubin always emphasizes.

After the convincing performance against Mannheim, everyone involved is probably looking forward to this trip. “It’s always good when you win. “That gives you self-confidence and a smile on your face,” says the trainer. However, another defender, Markus Niemeläinen, will be out because his partner is heavily pregnant.

“It didn’t scare me too much the way they played with us. We can definitely create a goal difference,” said striker Leo Pföderl confidently. However, it became clear in the first leg how brutally the Eisbären were punished when, after an interim high with a 3-0 lead, they slacked off a bit in terms of intensity and pace.

The Berliners are particularly successful at bringing their style onto the ice, especially away from home. The headwind blowing from the stands seems to somehow inspire them. However, there are likely to be a similar number of empty seats in the Zurich ice rink with a capacity of 12,000 seats as there were in the Friedrichshain Arena two weeks ago.