EHC Red Bull Munich, the reigning champions of the German Ice Hockey League (DEL), seem to be gathering pace as they approach the playoffs. Despite not meeting their own expectations for the majority of the current season, they secured a victory against ERC Ingolstadt, winning 2-1 in a derby match that was decided in extra time. This victory marks their third consecutive win following the last international break. Chris DeSousa, Munich’s leading scorer, secured the win with his 18th goal of the season, scored in the fourth minute of extra time.
The game started with a slip-up from Munich’s Trevor Parkes, which was swiftly capitalized on by Ingolstadt. Mirko Höfflin scored the first goal of the game on a counterattack, assisted by Patrik Virta. Munich responded with an aggressive shot from Parkes that was saved by Ingolstadt’s goalie, Michael Garteig. Following this, Munich applied significant pressure for a five-minute stretch at the end of the first period. This period of aggression resulted in an injury to Ingolstadt’s Travis St. Denis, who had to leave the game due to a facial injury. Despite the advantage of a five-minute powerplay, Munich’s Markus Eisenschmid was unable to capitalize on three promising opportunities, including one hit on the crossbar.
Munich versus Ingolstadt: A Battle of Prestige
Munich entered the derby with a surge of confidence after two commanding wins following the international break. They also had a score to settle against Ingolstadt, who had triumphed in all three previous encounters this season. Despite winning their last three games, including an away game against league leaders Berlin, Ingolstadt has remained in ninth place in the league standings for several weeks.
The middle of the game was marred by frequent penalties. Munich had two opportunities to equalize during a five-on-three situation but failed to convert either. The string of penalties disrupted the game’s rhythm, especially for Munich, leading to several inaccuracies creep into their game. It was down to Munich’s Niederberger to prevent Ingolstadt’s Leon Hüttl from scoring a second goal.
One player who showed his usual diligence on the ice was Munich’s national player Maximilian Kastner, who was making his return after a seven-week injury layoff. While Kastner was denied a goal by the formidable Garteig, Munich managed to equalize when Yasin Ehliz found the back of the net during a counterattack. The winning goal was scored by Chris DeSousa. After their derby victory, Munich will next face the Nuremberg Ice Tigers on Sunday.
