Overview

• ERC Ingolstadt enters the playoffs as the top seed after a record-setting regular season, highlighted by 113 points and awards for Coach Mark French and defenseman Alex Breton.
• EHC Red Bull München faces Adler Mannheim in a matchup of DEL heavyweights, with coach Don Jackson's return expected to play a pivotal role.
• Straubing Tigers secured their spot with a strong defensive performance in the pre-playoffs and now face reigning champions Eisbären Berlin in a rematch of last year's semifinals.
• Nürnberg Ice Tigers ended a six-year playoff drought by defeating Schwenninger Wild Wings, setting up a quarterfinal clash against top-seeded Ingolstadt.
• All series will follow a best-of-seven format, with the first games scheduled for Sunday, promising intense competition across the league.