Overview

• Eisbären Berlin secured a decisive 5:1 victory over Kölner Haie in Game One of the DEL Final, held in a sold-out Uber Arena with 14,200 spectators.
• Liam Kirk led the scoring for Berlin with two goals, while Korbinian Geibel, Kai Wissmann, and Leonhard Pföderl each added one; Alexandre Grenier scored the lone goal for Cologne.
• The defending champions established early dominance, with Kirk scoring just 25 seconds into the game, and sealed the win with three third-period goals.
• Kölner Haie briefly equalized in the second period before Berlin regained control, capitalizing on a strong power play and defensive errors by Cologne.
• Game Two of the best-of-seven series is scheduled for Saturday, April 19, in Cologne, where the Haie will look to respond on home ice.