Jobaaj Stories
Kölner Haie Fall Short in Game 5, Facing Must-Win Situation
The Kölner Haie’s playoff hopes took a hit on Friday, April 11, 2025, after a disappointing 0-3 loss to ERC Ingolstadt in Game 5 of their DEL semi-final series. This setback leaves the Haie facing a must-win scenario in Game 6, scheduled for Monday, April 14th, at 6:30 PM in Köln. The series, currently standing at 3-2 in Cologne’s favor, hangs precariously in the balance.
Captain's Return and Early Penalties
Despite the loss, there was some positive news for the Haie: captain Moritz Müller returned from a shoulder injury sustained in Game 4. His presence provided a much-needed boost, but the game started with a flurry of penalties—six in the first period alone—setting a chaotic tone. Ingolstadt capitalized on this undisciplined start, with Daniel Schmölz scoring just before the first intermission.
Ingolstadt Dominates, Haie Struggle
Ingolstadt continued their strong performance into the second period, extending their lead with a power-play goal by Austen Keating. The Haie struggled to generate offense, missing key opportunities and consistently battling penalty trouble. Mathew Bodie's empty-net goal in the final minutes sealed the 3-0 victory for Ingolstadt.
A Crucial Game 6 Awaits
"We played smart and took advantage of the opportunities given to us," stated Ingolstadt coach Kari Jalonen, highlighting the Haie's disciplinary issues. For the Haie, Game 6 represents their last chance to reach the DEL finals for the first time since 2014. They'll need to significantly improve their penalty kill and capitalize on scoring chances to overcome a resilient Ingolstadt team. The atmosphere in Köln is expected to be electric as fans rally behind their team for this crucial final push. Can the Haie harness the home-ice advantage and overcome the challenge? The upcoming game will be a true test of their playoff mettle.
