Gameplay
High tempo, hard checks and great emotions - the top game had everything to offer. Mannheim initially had more shots and the first power play: Tyler Gaudet made the most of the opportunity to make it 1:0 (9th). The Red Bulls responded with enormous pressure, Felix Brückmann made strong saves against Chris DeSousa (10th) and Ryan McKiernan (12th), among others. However, the Adlers' goalkeeper had no chance with Ortega's direct shot (14.). The duel without rest and only a minute later with the next goal: Markus Eisenschmid provided the renewed Mannheim lead.
The middle period was also action-packed. The two top teams continued to press the tempo and looked for the direct way to the goal. Mathias Niederberger in the Munich box showed his class against Borna Rendulic (31st) and Jordan Szwarz (38th). When the Red Bulls had the Adler locked up shortly before the second period break, Brückmann prevented the visitors from equalizing several times, including against Ben Street (40th).
The Red Bulls tried everything again in the final period, but Mannheim defended compactly - and could rely on its power play. When two players from Munich were in the penalty box, Rendulic put an unstoppable shot into the corner (51st). Szwarz added the 4:1, also on the power play (54th), before David Wolf scored an empty-net goal 15 seconds before the final siren to make it 5:1.