However, while the Essen Mosquitoes were to be relegated, they were granted a stay as the Starbulls Rosenheim had to retread due to finance issues.

The second change was that there would be no overtime played; in case a game ends in a tie after the regular periods, shootouts commenced.

However, the Starbulls Rosenheim transferred their DEL license to the Iserlohner EC and pulled themselves voluntarily out of the league due to financial trouble.

Finals started April 22, with the Kölner Haie playing home first, due to better regular season placement.

With the last game, the Munich Barons became the DEL Champion, winning a German title for the first time in their history.