The Nice Hockey team fell 3-2 on Anglet’s ice this Wednesday night. As a result, there will be a fifth and final match on Saturday (7:15 PM) at Jean-Bouin. The winner will be crowned Division 1 champion and will play for promotion to the Ligue Magnus.
It seems they just can’t be separated. Anglet and Nice, a story of tense matches, twists, and this season, a final with breathtaking suspense. In the Basque Country, the Eagles were unable to capitalize on their advantage after the two home wins last weekend.
Sedlacek or the “Wall of Nice”
Like the day before, the Eagles were penalized and conceded a goal while short-handed despite a decisive save by Vojtech Sedlacek. Thomas Rubes opened the scoring (1-0, 11’01”). Three minutes later, Nice was penalized again, but Vladimir Kubus managed the feat of equalizing with 4 against 5 on the ice (1-1, 12’38”). The weakness of Stan Sutor’s men is and will remain the “power play” (numerical advantage). They do not take advantage of their first opportunity. The period ends in confusion with two 2-minute penalties on each side. Vojtech Sedlacek was astounding according to specialists on the scene.
Varga mimics Slovak
The Basques regained the lead five minutes into the second period through Florent Neyens (2-1, 25’36”) and the nervousness of the Nice team persisted. The Eagles lost one of their best players, Milan Varga, for 12 minutes, just like Martin Slovak, who was heavily penalized the day before. Anglet had chances to kill the game but the Nice defense stood firm, always supported by their Czech goalkeeper. The second numerical advantage did not yield any results for Nice. One of the regrets of the night.
Brejka rekindled hope
Anglet started this final period poorly with a player “in the box” but for the third time, Nice was unable to equalize with a 5 on 4. Four minutes later, Benjamin Lagarde extended the lead for Hormadi (3-1, 45’36”). But immediately after, Andrej Brejka put the Eagles back on track (3-2, 47’04”). There were 13 minutes left to play. Nice regained control of the match, obtained their fourth numerical advantage, but the Anglet defense would not falter. For the second time in two days, Nice lost largely due to indiscipline and occasionally questionable officiating, according to some present.
Everyone in red and black on Saturday!
On Saturday, an intense finale is expected. Players from both teams will feel the pressure; it is the physically and mentally fresher team that will have the best chance of winning, and the Eagles can count on the support of their ever-present fans. A definite advantage in such moments.
With Kevin Chifflet
