At the start of this year, the Nice Eagles are still in a difficult period. In their first home game, the Azureans failed to find the breakthrough in a dull match.
“It’s time to succeed in playing as a team and respecting our identity and system.” These were the words of Frantisek Stolc before this first game of the year 2025. Although the hockey players did not have a break during the end-of-year holidays, the Eagles certainly needed one. With no victories in their last five games, the people of Nice have seen their lead over the Play Out melt away in two weeks.
Facing Amiens tonight, it was necessary to get back on track. Especially since the Gothiques weren’t any better off than the people of Nice with five consecutive defeats. In a sold-out Jean Bouin, the people of Nice struggled to restart the machine. Lacking inspiration in attack, the beginning of the match was not ideal. “We work towards this goal every day and hope it will bear fruit,” the coach stated. Unfortunately, it wasn’t going to happen tonight. The Nice forwards remained silent despite about thirty attempts.
A Silent Attack
Yet the Gothiques also failed to find the breakthrough during regulation time. Conrad Molder, starting tonight, had a solid game with 29 saves until the 64th minute. Because it was indeed in the overtime that the game turned in favor of the Amiens team. On the final play, James Phelan sent the puck into the net of the Nice goalkeeper, freezing the crowd at Jean Bouin.
The score couldn’t evolve further (0-1) and plunged the people of Nice into an uncomfortable situation since at the same time Chamonix won in Gap in a shootout and came within a single point of the Maralpins with two games in hand. Needless to say, nothing is settled. However, it is crucial to quickly find the way to the goal to get back on track; otherwise, the end of the season will be very complicated.
A meeting is set for next Friday in Bordeaux with an obligation to react. Let’s hope this week without a game will be beneficial for the Eagles.
