In a packed Jean Bouin ice rink, the Eagles of Nice hosted the league leaders, Grenoble, for this postponed match of the thirty-fifth day.
The Niçois started the game with a strong press, creating numerous chances until they broke through thanks to Adam Raska, who scored his fourteenth goal of the season in the sixth minute of play.
However, after this opening goal, the Niçois became unrecognizable. Quick ball loss, lack of desire, the Azuréens were dominated in all areas of the game. The Grenoblois made numerous offensive plays but were thwarted by an excellent Conrad Molder. Unfortunately, in the sixteenth minute of the first period, the Niçois conceded an equalizer through Christophe Boivin, who scored his twenty-seventh goal in the championship. The final score of this first period is 1-1, a result that keeps the Niçois alive for the chance to achieve an upset.
Grenoble takes the lead in a complicated second period
The second period was endless for the Eagles. Pressed from the first minute, they faced relentless attacks but could rely on their goalkeeper in great form. Yet, in the seventh minute, the Grenoblois took the lead thanks to Loïc Farnier, capitalizing on a too passive Nice team. After this goal, Grenoble’s dominance continued until the fifteenth minute, when Grenoble went down to four field players, giving the Niçois a chance to regain control of the puck. But despite this opportunity, the Eagles could not find the breakthrough. The score at the end of the second period is 2-1 in favor of Grenoble.
The Eagles fall despite a burst of pride
The final period was a reflection of the second. The Niçois, overwhelmed, continued to endure Grenoble’s attacks, conceding a third goal by Hugo Nogaretto ten minutes before the end. After this goal, the Eagles tried to push to come back, but their efforts remained in vain.
Despite this 3-1 defeat, the result remains encouraging for the Niçois, especially considering that in the first leg, they suffered a heavy 8-1 loss. Next meeting is Tuesday at home against Marseille for a derby that promises to be heated.