Today is the last game of the year for Nice. A home match against the Angers Dukes, which was already looking very interesting with the goal of repeating their victory on December 28 against Briançon.
The Niçois started their game well by managing to put pressure on right from the start of the contest. However, a technical superiority challenges the Eagles’ defense, and Angers opens the scoring with a goal by Llorca in the 4th minute. Then in the 9th minute, Nikita scores his own goal on his birthday, bringing his team to 2-0 even as Nice seemed to control the game. The Niçois begin to lose control of the puck and allow the Angers players to seize opportunities. A dangerous situation for the rest of the match given Angers’ efficiency.
Second Period, Hope Rekindles
The second period is quite lackluster. A few opportunities for Nice, but Angers’ goalie Evan Cowley saves his team from several dangerous shots. This period serves as a demonstration of the goalies’ level, with Nice’s goalie Nikita Bespalov showing real determination by stopping various attacks from the Angers players. Then comes the breakthrough, Nice scores their first goal just before the end of this period thanks to Radek Cip on a play that reignites the match for the Eagles.
Third Period, the Dukes Pull Away
The third period resembles the second a lot. Many plays, back and forth of the puck between the cages, but no goal in sight. The goalies are doing their jobs well, and finding an opening proves to be a daunting task. Daunting, yes, but not for Nikita Scherbak who comes along to plant his goal in the 12th minute, widening the gap. A 4th goal follows in the 15th to seal the fate of the Niçois. Nevertheless, a penalty is whistled in the 16th minute, giving Nice hope thanks to the magnificent goal Abramov scored by sending the puck between the goalie’s legs. The Eagles spread their wings with a goal by Cip in the 18th minute. Unfortunately, it’s not enough. The Niçois fought well until the end but still lose to Angers (3-4).
Next meeting is on January 3 in Rouen to support our favorite Eagles.
