Penguins before a decisive duel: fight for the playoffs in Ingolstadt!

Penguins before a decisive duel: fight for the playoffs in Ingolstadt!

This New Year's Day, January 1st, 2026, ice hockey fans can look forward to an exciting match. They kick off from 7:30 p.m Fishtown Penguins in the Saturn Arena against ERC Ingolstadt. After a successful home win against the Eisbären Berlin, the Pinguins are currently in 6th place in the table and are willing to consolidate their place in the playoffs.

The objective for tonight is clear: collect as many points as possible in order to reduce the gap to fifth place from 13 points. ERC Ingolstadt, on the other hand, is in fourth place with 68 points and is known for its strong offense. With 141 goals scored, they have the best offensive power in the German Ice Hockey League (DEL) and can also look forward to the fifth-best defense, which has conceded 95 goals so far.

The initial situation

Despite a defeat last Tuesday against Schwenningen, which ended 3:5, the Ingolstadt team remains the best home team in the league. In the Saturn Arena they have only suffered two defeats so far. However, this record should not hide the fact that the last ten games for Ingolstadt also included four defeats, including a bitter home defeat against Munich.

Brett Brochu will play in goal since starting goalkeeper Devin Williams is injured. The catch rates of the two goalkeepers are promising so far; while Brochu has a goals-against average of 2.60, Williams has a goals-against average of 2.83. In addition, Riley Barber is the league's top scorer with 46 points and shines with 24 goals. Particularly noteworthy is Alex Breton, who scored the most points among the defenders.

Direct duels and chances for the Penguins

Both teams have won their home games so far this season, with a clear 5-2 difference. The Penguins hope that they can count on the return of some sick players today, while the long-term injured Jensen and Görtz are unlikely to be on the ice yet. It will also be important for the Penguins to be more stable on defense and avoid dangerous penalty times and puck losses.

The Pinguins are currently in 6th place with 55 points, a goal difference of +5 and a power play rate of 20.18%. In comparison, Ingolstadt has an impressive goal difference of +46 and a power play rate of 23.01%. To improve results, the Penguins need to be more focused and efficient in the dueling games.

Interested ice hockey fans can find further details, statistics and analyzes of this duel on the website Kickers. Everyone is keeping their fingers crossed for the Penguins that they can take the points home at the start of the year!