The Eagles of Nice secured a (3-0) victory against Chamonix in a decisive match for the playoffs. A well-controlled performance that revitalizes their ambitions with six games remaining. Now in 7th place in the standings, they will seek confirmation this Friday in Angers.
With seven games to go in the regular season, every point counts in the fight for the playoffs. The Eagles of Nice, who were 9th before the kickoff, faced Chamonix, a direct competitor, with only a three-point gap in the standings. The stakes were high: a victory would allow the team from Nice to climb to 7th place and take a crucial step towards qualification in a race where every mistake could be costly.
A Disappointing First Period for the Eagles
The Eagles of Nice missed their entry into this decisive match. They showed little spirit, made numerous technical errors, and allowed their opponents to dominate. Yet, everything started well for the men from the Côte d’Azur until a penalty from Daniels Berzins. This yellow card, which reduced Nice to 4 against 5 for two minutes, completely changed the game’s dynamic. From that moment, the Chamonix players took the lead and launched a series of attacks. But, despite clear chances, they faced an imperial Conrad Mölders in the goal.
The first period ended with a score of (0-0), a result that seemed quite forgiving for the struggling team from Nice.
A Transformation in the Second Period
Unrecognizable, the Eagles showed a completely different side in the second period. With a sense of revenge and the will to turn the situation around, they returned to the ice determined to take the upper hand. And they succeeded. In the 9th minute, after largely dominating their opponents, Nicolas Ruel opened the score for Nice.
The situation then worsened for Chamonix. A first penalty reduced the Pioneers to five players, and just thirty seconds later, a second sanction left them with four on the ice. Nice seized their chance: Adam Raska scored a superb goal in the 17th minute to double the lead.
The second period ended with a score of (2-0) in favor of the Eagles, who took a strong step towards victory.
A Tension-Filled Final Period
The last period was particularly lively, with significant pressure from the Pioneers on Nice’s goal. But, once again, Conrad Mölders, named man of the match, demonstrated his prowess by deflecting multiple attempts from the opponents.
Despite this dominance, Nice managed to extend the lead thirty seconds before the end of the game. Teemu Loizeau, with a masterful strike from midfield, found the net and dashed Chamonix’s hopes, who had been playing power play for a good minute.
The Eagles ultimately secured a valuable victory with a score of (3-0).
An excellent result for the Eagles, who surpass their evening adversaries. The team from Nice climbs to the 7th place of the standings and breathes a little easier with six games to go. Next appointment: Friday at 8:30 PM in Angers, where the Eagles will attempt to confirm their excellent performance.