DEL playoff semi-final: Cologne equalizes against Belrin

The Kölner Haie managed to equalize again against the Eisbären Berlin in the playoff semi-finals of the German Ice Hockey League (DEL). The main round winner prevailed on Wednesday evening in a wild exchange of blows 4:3 (1:1, 2:1, 0:1, 1:0) after extra time against the defending champion and made it 2:2 in the best-of-seven series. In the fourth duel, the home team won for the fourth time, game five takes place on Friday (7.30 p.m./MagentaSport) in the capital.

Cologne got off to a lightning start in front of 18,600 spectators, with Frederik Storm scoring after just 42 seconds. With the lead behind them, the KEC pushed for the second goal, but failed to hit the post several times. Instead of 2-0 it was suddenly 1-1, Ty Ronning (14th) scored the first goal for the guests.

The Berlin team got off to a perfect start in the second third. National player Kai Wissmann gave the record champions the lead for the first time after 20 seconds (21st). But Tanner Kero (24th) and Dominik Bokk with his fourth playoff goal (33rd) turned the game around again. Bitter for the Eisbären: Goalkeeper Jake Hildebrand was injured when they conceded the third goal and had to be substituted.

The guests recovered from these setbacks, pushed for the 3:3 – and were rewarded with the advantage through Liam Kirk (52nd). In extra time, Bokk made the decision with his second goal (78th).