Complicated evening at the Jean Bouin ice rink. In front of a large crowd, the Nice Eagles were defeated (3-0) by the Bordeaux Boxers. A frustrating setback, as the qualification for the playoffs is at stake.
From the kickoff, the Nice team took control of the match. Intense pressing, a series of opportunities, and a first power play in the 2nd minute. The Eagles settled in the Bordeaux zone, multiplied their attempts, but stumbled upon an impenetrable Quentin Papillon.
Bordeaux suffered but resisted. A new penalty against number 76 of the Boxers allowed the locals to maintain the pressure. Yet, no goal came to reward their dominance. A frustrating first period that ended with a scoreless draw (0-0).
The Bordeaux Sanction
The second period was a nightmare for the Nice team. Bordeaux returned with different intentions. Right from coming out of the locker room, the Boxers imposed their pace and besieged Conrad Molder’s goal.
The scoring opened in the 4th minute. A shot by Loïk Poudrier, deflected by a Nice defender, deceived the Eagles’ goalkeeper. Nice tried to respond but lacked precision in the final moves. Despite some opportunities, the Azureans struggled to trouble Papillon. Bordeaux maintained control and led before the final period (0-1).
The scenario repeated in the final periods. Nice lacked inspiration and Bordeaux took advantage of it.
The Boxers struck again in the 8th minute. Tommy Giroux delivered a perfect pass to Baptiste Bruche, who beat Molder with a shot between the legs. The break was made, but Bordeaux didn’t stop there.
Five minutes later, Giroux himself found the gap and increased the score to (3-0). Nice’s frustration grew, and Nicolas Ruel received a penalty for roughness. The match ended without a comeback from the Eagles.
A defeat that complicates qualification
Nice fell, but can thank Amiens. By defeating Briançon, the Gothics allowed the Eagles to retain their place in the playoff zone.
However, nothing is certain yet. The last match of the regular season, in Rouen on Friday, will be decisive. A final battle to secure a spot in the postseason. Kickoff at 8 pm.
