Alex Barta was close to tears after his 1010th game in the German Ice Hockey League and just wanted to leave. For the 40-year-old captain of Düsseldorfer EG, the 6:7 (2:1, 4:2, 0:3) after extra time at ERC Ingolstadt was possibly his last game in the DEL.

"I don't want to talk about it so soon after the game," said Barta at MagentaSport right after the playoff with DEG.

But there are many indications that his career is coming to an end. The contract of the former and long-time national player has now ended with the end of the season. There is currently no prospect of an extension. It was only in the playoffs that the 40-year-old veteran got back on track after a previously difficult season. "I tried to work my ass off again," Barta said bluntly.

With nine points, Barta is currently the top scorer in the DEL playoffs. On Friday he contributed another goal and two assists. It was difficult for him to accept that his team lost despite a 5-2 and 6-3 lead: "You can call it stupid, you can call it bad." For him, it probably means the end of his career. "It's just bitter and sad. I'd like to start crying," said Barta, but he meant above all the strange course of the game and the defeat with DEG.