Monday, 09. March 2026 |
After victories against Iserlohn, Wolfsburg, and Frankfurt in playoff mode
The start of our “comeback week” took us to the Sauerland region on Wednesday to face the Iserlohn Roosters. Coming back from a 0-2 deficit on the road is never easy—but it's precisely these challenges that are an important, albeit unpleasant, preparation for what may still lie ahead of us this season.
With a lot of patience, structure, and above all, confidence in our own strengths, we fought our way back into the game. Goal by goal, we closed the gap, forced Iserlohn into overtime, and finally won the game 4-3 in overtime. It was a victory won less by spectacle than by mentality – and it set the tone for the rest of the week.
Highlights: Iserlohn Roosters vs. EHC Red Bull München (05.03.2026)
// DEL - HIGHLIGHTS
Comeback at SAP Garden: DeSousa is back – and scoring
The next chapter followed on Friday: a home game at SAP Garden against the Grizzlys Wolfsburg. Another deficit, another response. After falling behind early 0-1, we stuck to our game plan, picked up the pace, and turned the game around with four unanswered goals for a 4-1 victory. Remarkably, the goals that made it 1-1 and 2-1 from our perspective both came during a five-minute power play.
It was an emotional occasion, not only because it was the tenth anniversary of our first championship, with 16 players from the 2015/16 team and coach Don Jackson being honored, but also because of one active player.
10 Jahre Deutscher Meister - Winkler, Abeltshauser, Wolf, Mauer und Kastner beim Meisterdinner
// HIGHLIGHTS
Forward Chris DeSousa made his comeback after a two-month injury break – and scored a goal. The Canadian was visibly relieved and happy after the 4-1 victory to finally be back on the ice with the team: "It's great to be back – and with a win. Our penalty kill units decided the game today with two important goals after falling behind. That was incredible.“
You can read a longer story about our number 82 on our website on Tuesday.
Hager: ”They're all playoff games now"
DeSousa's goal and the strong special teams after the early deficit were symbolic of this phase: everyone takes responsibility, especially when the going gets tough. After the game, Patrick Hager assessed the team's current form – and made it clear what phase we are already in mentally. “The games after the Olympic break are all playoff games in a way. All teams are fighting and don't want to give anything away,” said the captain.
Hager sees defense as a crucial key – for the main round, but especially for the upcoming playoffs: “We are one of the strongest defensive teams in the league – that will be a very decisive factor in the playoffs. We have to build on that and concede as few goals as possible. With the quality we have in our team, we will then have a realistic chance of winning every game.”
Highlights: EHC Red Bull München vs. Grizzlys Wolfsburg (06.03.2026)
// DEL - HIGHLIGHTS
At the same time, Hager emphasized the character and cohesion in the locker room—and drew a comparison to the former championship team that celebrated the victory with the guys on the ice after the game: "Basically, I believe that the parallels to our previous championship teams are there. That feeling in the locker room: when you look to the left and to the right, you see a group that is capable of winning the title this year. And that alone gives you an incredible amount of confidence, of course."
Sunday against Frankfurt: Sinn with a special goal
The week ended with another mental test – this time back at the SAP Garden against the Frankfurt Lions. As in Iserlohn, coach Oliver David's boys were down 0-2, but as in Iserlohn, we didn't give up. The team remained calm, worked their way back into the game, and forced overtime. In the end, they won 3-2 in overtime.
The equalizer to make it 2-2 by defender Phillip Sinn was particularly pleasing. The 22-year-old scored his first goal in the PENNY DEL – making him our 21st different goalscorer this season. Proof of the breadth and depth of our squad.
Goal debutant Sinn: “When it's right in front of me, I just shoot.”
Sinn himself took his debut goal with a mixture of humor and relief: “I can shoot now and then. When it's right in front of me, I just shoot. The fact that I've now scored my first DEL goal is also a small relief.”
At the same time, he emphasized how much the recent victories have strengthened the team despite losing two points: "We want to give our all in the next two games and be ready for anything. I think these comebacks make us stronger as a team. We have confidence in ourselves: no matter how badly we start or how difficult things are for us, we can always find a way to win the games. Everyone is hungry, everyone believes we can win."
A look at the table: Historic result possible
With seven points won after falling behind, EHC Red Bull München currently stands at 97 points – with two games remaining in the main round. The top of the league is as close and high-quality as ever:
1.
Kölner Haie – 113 points
2.
Straubing Tigers – 101 points
3.
Adler Mannheim – 100 points
4.
EHC Red Bull München – 97 points
For the first time in the history of the league, it is possible that four teams will break the 100-point mark after 52 regular season games. So we still have the chance to join this historic club of four – and at the same time secure the best possible starting position for the playoffs.
Highlights: EHC Red Bull München vs. Löwen Frankfurt (08.03.2026)
// DEL - HIGHLIGHTS
Playoffs on their minds, comebacks in their blood
Three games, three times behind – and three times our team found the answer. Whether away in Iserlohn or at home in the SAP Garden against Wolfsburg and Frankfurt, the Red Bulls showed that they don't lose faith in themselves in close, difficult games.
The main round is entering the home stretch. Two games remain to stay in playoff rhythm and further sharpen this special mindset. At the same time, home-ice advantage in the quarterfinals, the best possible final ranking, and a possible Champions League qualification are still at stake.
One point for home-ice advantage – one win for a chance at the CHL
In a direct matchup against the Straubing Tigers, we can make up three points on the current second-place team and keep our chances at the Champions League alive. However, we won't be able to do it without some help. One point would be enough to definitely finish in the top 4 and secure the aforementioned home-ice advantage. We then face a challenge in Berlin on Sunday at the end of the main round. It is only then that the final table will be decided. At the same time, Straubing will play Cologne and Mannheim will play Schwenningen.
Despite having the weakest starting position of the four DEL teams above, this week has definitely shown that the Red Bulls are always a force to be reckoned with – even when we are behind.
Mit Video
Next victory: Red Bulls defeat Frankfurt in overtime// DEL - MATCH REPORT
Important note: Municipal construction work restricts access to the parking lot// INFO
PENNY DEL announces playoff dates – overview of all rounds// CURRENT