Kölner Haie beat Eisbären Berlin 4–3 in overtime to tie DEL semifinal series 2–2
Kölner Haie leveled the DEL playoff semifinal series at 2–2 with a 4–3 overtime win over Eisbären Berlin, claiming victory in a dramatic game marked by early goals, momentum swings, a goaltender injury and an overtime clincher.
Rapid opener sets frantic tone
Kölner Haie struck just 42 seconds into the contest when Frederik Storm finished a slick rush to give the home side an immediate lead. The early goal energized 18,600 spectators and forced Berlin to respond as Cologne pressed to extend its advantage. Multiple near-misses off the post kept the score close, however, and the first period ended tied after Ty Ronning converted on a power play for the visitors.
Second period sees lead changes and decisive finishes
The second period began with another quick break as Kai Wissmann put Eisbären Berlin ahead 2–1 within 20 seconds of the stanza starting. Cologne answered through Tanner Kero before Dominik Bokk restored a two-goal swing with his fourth playoff goal of the series. That sequence shifted momentum back to the hosts and set the stage for a highly contested final 20 minutes.
Goaltender exit disrupts Berlin’s plans
Eisbären keeper Jake Hildebrand was forced out after conceding Cologne’s third goal, an injury that required the club to make an unplanned netminding change. The substitution interrupted Berlin’s rhythm and tested the bench depth of the reigning champions. Berlin regrouped around their special teams and defensive structure to try to regain control despite the setback.
Special teams keep the game alive
Special teams played a prominent role throughout the match, with both clubs scoring power-play goals at key moments. Berlin capitalized on a man-advantage in the third period when Liam Kirk threaded a shot past the replacement goalie to knot the score at 3–3. The effective conversion underlined how penalties and discipline would continue to define each possession as the series progressed.
Overtime drama and Bokk’s decisive strike
The contest remained deadlocked after regulation, leading to sudden-death overtime where dominant chances were traded before Dominik Bokk struck again in the 78th minute. Bokk’s second goal of the night completed his multi-goal performance and sent the Köln crowd into jubilation. The overtime winner not only decided the individual game but also swung home-ice advantage back into focus for the remainder of the series.
Home teams prevail in series pattern
Game four continued a pattern this postseason of home teams seizing wins, marking the fourth occasion the hosting club emerged victorious in direct playoff matchups. Cologne’s resilience and crowd atmosphere proved decisive in neutralizing Berlin’s status as regular-season leader and title defender. The result leaves the best-of-seven series finely balanced and sets up a pivotal return match for the capital side.
Next game shifts back to Berlin and stakes rise
The series moves to Spiel fünf in Berlin on Friday with a scheduled 19:30 start and national broadcast coverage, turning attention to how both clubs will adjust strategies. Eisbären Berlin will need a quick response to protect home ice and reassert control, while Kölner Haie will aim to exploit the momentum gained from the overtime triumph. Coaches on both sides are likely to tinker with line combinations and special-teams deployment ahead of the decisive encounter.
Kölner Haie’s victory in a hard-fought 4–3 overtime win highlights the razor-thin margins in the DEL semifinals and leaves the outcome of the series wide open as both clubs prepare for a crucial Game 5 in Berlin.
