The Lausitzer Füchse delivered a confident performance on Friday, defeating ESV Kaufbeuren 5-2 in a DEL2 matchup. The victory saw the Füchse capitalize on a strong second period, ultimately overcoming a late push from the hosts.
The game began with a quick strike from the Füchse, as Broda found the back of the net just under 17 minutes into the first period, giving Weißwasser an early lead. However, Kaufbeuren responded swiftly, with Raedeke leveling the score shortly before the end of the first frame. The first period concluded with the teams tied at 1-1, setting the stage for a more dynamic middle act.
The second period proved to be the turning point of the contest, with the Füchse asserting their dominance. Lennard Nieleck spearheaded the offensive charge, scoring two goals within a span of 10 minutes and 21 seconds. He didn’t stop there, also providing the assist on a goal by Scheidl, extending the Füchse’s lead significantly. This flurry of goals put Kaufbeuren on the back foot and created a substantial deficit they struggled to overcome.
Despite trailing by a considerable margin, Kaufbeuren demonstrated resilience in the final period. They increased their offensive pressure, registering 13 shots on goal compared to the Füchse’s 11. Zawatsky managed to break through the Füchse’s defense a minute and a half before the end of the game, narrowing the gap to 4-2. However, any hopes of a comeback were extinguished when Breitkreuz scored an empty-net goal, sealing the 5-2 victory for the Lausitzer Füchse.
The 2019-20 DEL2 season, as documented by Wikipedia, was already facing disruption at the time of this game, with the league prematurely ending on , due to the escalating coronavirus pandemic. Löwen Frankfurt had secured the top spot in the regular season, but the championship playoffs were ultimately cancelled, meaning no champion was crowned. Notably, the relegation playoffs were also scrapped, resulting in no teams being relegated to the Oberliga that season.
The DEL2, established as the second tier of German ice hockey below the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL), saw EV Landshut promoted from the Oberliga prior to the 2019-20 season. The regular season format involved each of the 14 teams playing a total of 52 matches, facing every opponent twice – once at home and once away. The top six teams automatically qualified for the championship playoffs, while teams ranked seventh through tenth entered a qualifying round. The bottom four teams were slated to compete in relegation playoffs, though these were ultimately cancelled.
The structure of the DEL2 also includes a pathway for promotion to the DEL, though it’s not automatic. Since , agreements between the DEL and DEL2 have allowed the DEL2 champion the opportunity to be promoted, provided they meet the DEL’s licensing requirements. Conversely, the last-placed team in the DEL faces relegation.
While this particular game took place within the context of a disrupted season, it highlights the competitive nature of the DEL2. The Füchse’s victory over Kaufbeuren, who were positioned at the bottom of the table, demonstrates their ability to perform against varying levels of opposition. Nieleck’s standout performance, with two goals and an assist, was instrumental in securing the win, showcasing his offensive prowess. The game also illustrated Kaufbeuren’s fighting spirit, as they continued to press for goals even while trailing, ultimately managing to find the net twice in the final period.
The cancellation of the playoffs and relegation battles in the 2019-20 season created an unusual situation for the DEL2. The lack of a champion and the absence of relegated teams undoubtedly impacted the league’s dynamics and potentially influenced team strategies for subsequent seasons. The decision to forego relegation, while understandable given the extraordinary circumstances, likely provided a degree of stability for the teams at the lower end of the table.
Looking ahead, the DEL2 continues to serve as a crucial development league for German ice hockey, providing a platform for emerging talent and a competitive environment for established players. The league’s structure, with its blend of regular season play and playoff formats, aims to foster both consistent performance and high-stakes competition. The Lausitzer Füchse’s win against Kaufbeuren serves as a reminder of the league’s ongoing action and the dedication of its teams and players.
