Home defeat against Straubing: The polar bears’ crisis continues to escalate

If you disregard the support from the ranks, the home game of the Eisbären against the Straubing Tigers could have given the impression that this game was taking place in the home arena of Lower Bavaria.

Although the guests traveled to Berlin in sixth place in the table, they are among the worst away teams in the league. Because very little is currently working for the ailing German champions, Straubing’s coach Tom Pokel suggested his team an extremely offensive match plan, just like the one offered in the home stadium at the Pulverturm. This plan worked, with a 1:2 home defeat, the polar bears’ crisis worsened. The Augsburg Panthers, who lost 1-0 after extra time in Schwenningen, are only two points behind with a game in hand.

That was already apparent in the first third. Instead of putting pressure on their opponents as intended, Serge Aubin’s side had to react above all. But the defense, in which Brendan Guhle celebrated his DEL home debut, was still tight – which was an interim success.

Juho Markkanen, who was now back between the posts of the Berlin goal, made a reliable save. Peter Regin and Giovanni Fiore had to watch as extra players with foreign passports.

Compensation in the 5:3 majority

But although Berlin’s focus was clearly on avoiding mistakes, the puck was in the Berlin goal two and a half minutes after the start of the second period. Travis St. Denis, who scored three goals in their last meeting, was on target again.

The fact that the hosts also had reason to celebrate shortly afterwards was due to a very strict interpretation of the rules by the referees, who sent two players from Straubing to the penalty box within 37 seconds. And at least the Berliners can rely on the power play.

After a pass from Matt White, Kevin Clark threw the puck over the line and brought collective relief to the 9,716 EHC fans in attendance.

Shortly before the end of the second period, Marco Nowak received a game penalty for a knee check that injured Luke Adam. Because this action was associated with a scuffle, which also led to a small penalty for the Tigers, the Berliners had to play a three-minute shorthand early on in the final section.

And this had consequences: The pressure from Straubing increased steadily and then it was Parker Tuomie who, outnumbered, scored the painful 1:2 from the home side’s point of view. As much as the efforts of the Berliners were recognizable to brace themselves against the crash, the lack of funds to make an ice hockey game successful revealed itself in the period that followed.

There is simply no sign of further development. Too many duels and discs are lost, gaps open up again and again into which opponents can push. In addition, there is simply a lack of the feeling of making the right decisions.

The impression of giving this game a positive turn didn’t really come up anymore, even if it only takes one successful action in ice hockey. However, far too few passes were received and the Straubinger Tor was attacked too little. So that the next home defeat became a certainty. Accordingly, the EHC pros then looked around blankly and into each other’s eyes. (tsp)

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