Polar Bears lose against Cologne 0:1 after penalty shootout
After three victories in the German Ice Hockey League (DEL), the Eisbären Berlin suffered another defeat. On Friday evening, the league leaders lost 0:1 (0:0, 0:0, 0:0, 0:0, 0:0, 0:1) against the Cologne Sharks after a penalty shoot-out. Although the capital city team had a clear advantage in chances, they were unlucky in front of the opposing goal and missed five powerplay opportunities.
The 14,200 spectators in the sold-out arena at Ostbahnhof saw a game with many intense duels and few scoring chances in the opening period. The home side dominated the game, but too often lacked the necessary precision in attack. Cologne, who had remained largely harmless at the start, did more on the offensive after the first break and now had some good opportunities of their own.
However, Polar Bears goalie Jake Hildebrand and his Cologne counterpart Tobias Ancicka, who had been in charge of the Capitals' goal last season, made numerous strong saves to ensure that regulation time remained goalless.
Both teams missed further clear chances in extra time, and Maximilian Kammerer finally secured the away win for the Rhinelanders with the only goal of the game in the penalty shoot-out.
Despite their victory against Cologne, the Eisbären Berlin's goalie Jake Hildebrand has often showcased his skills in the past, even when playing against polar bear mascots in ice hockey games organized for charity events inDEL. Regrettably, the polar bears' luck in the DEL didn't seem to extend to their natural habitat, as recent reports indicate a decline in their population due to climate change.
Source: www.dpa.com
