After their impressive overtime victory last week in Courbevoie, a return to the top 4 is secured. The Eagles won 7-3 against the Neuilly Bisons and remain on a three-game winning streak.
A disordered match both in terms of score and penalties. Nice was at a numerical disadvantage seven times during the 1st period but was never troubled by the Bisons. Even better, the Eagles scored first through Bohdan Visnak early in the match (3:37) before doubling their lead through Karri Koivu. 2-0 after 6 minutes. At the quarter-hour mark, Sinkovic gave his Neuilly team hope, making it 2-1 by the end of the 1st period.
As soon as they returned from the locker room, Nice Hockey continued to push forward, extending their lead first with Yoanne Lacheny, then thanks to Cesar Fleury (33rd minute, 4-1). Neuilly sur Marne, ranked 10th, tried to make an impact and even scored through Sadoun, but seconds later, Joni Raikkonen restored the Niçois lead. The second period ended with a score of 5-2. Nice widened the gap.
The third and final period of this game once again favored the Eagles. After 6:48 of play, Alexandre Touchette increased the score to 6-2, but Neuilly stopped the bleeding by scoring shortly after (6-3). With two minutes left in the game, Nice captain Aurélien Macon netted the final goal. 7-3.
The Niçois, often at a numerical disadvantage but never truly troubled, logically won the match and strengthened their position in the top 4. Notably, all seven Niçois goals were scored by different players, demonstrating good teamwork. The next match is next Saturday in Tours, ranked 5th just behind Nice. A chance to pull ahead with another victory.
Kevin Chifflet
