The Eisbären Berlin have won their first home game in the Champions Hockey League (CHL). The German ice hockey champions defeated the top Czech club HC Dynamo Pardubice 3:2 (1:1, 1:0, 0:1, 0:0, 1:0) after a penalty shootout. Leonhard Pföderl converted the decisive penalty, after Lean Bergmann and Frederik Tiffels had previously scored for the capital city team.
In front of 4,227 spectators in the sold-out Wellblechpalast, the home team started with commitment and created more chances in the opening minutes. Bergmann gave Berlin the lead in the 12th minute. However, the guests used their first power play a little later to equalize with a goal from Martin Kaut.
After the first break, the game remained hard-fought. Both teams made a few passing errors, so that there were no clear scoring opportunities for a long time. In the 34th minute, however, Tiffels was free to shoot after a pass from Kai Wissmann and scored Berlin’s second goal.
In the fast-paced final period, the Czechs increased the pressure. The Eisbären were able to defend their narrow lead for a long time with great effort, but had to accept the equalizer from Roman Cervenka shortly before the end of regular time (59th minute). The extra period remained goalless, and in the penalty shootout, Pföderl secured the celebrated home victory for Berlin.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:240913-930-232022/1
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