Facing the Pionniers de Chamonix tonight in the Ligue Magnus, the Aigles de Nice pulled off a great feat by snatching victory in overtime.
There are nights when success is on your side. In a match mostly dominated by the Pionniers de Chamonix, the Aigles de Nice managed to come through at the end of overtime. Both teams needed to bounce back. The team from Haut-Savoy had suffered two consecutive defeats, just like the team from Nice, who were defeated in Anglet after overtime and then last weekend against the Gothiques d’Amiens. This match between two playoff-contending teams was of utmost importance not to fall behind in the standings.
This situation subconsciously tensed both teams in a match that remained clean in its engagement. It took until the second period for the score to change. Chamonix managed to capitalize on their slight domination thanks to a counterattack led by Lauric Convert and a magnificent cross-ice pass to Jeremy Fortin who found the top corner (1-0, 27th minute). The Aigles de Nice did not lose their composure in defense and eventually responded at the end of the period. Hugo Nogaretto took advantage of a powerplay, set up by captain Nicolas Ruel who initiated the play and assisted by Samuel Regis with the pass. A beautiful individual action that allowed the Aigles to head to the locker room with a tie score (1-1).
Despite a home team dominance, the team from Nice showed opportunism. And the Aigles de Nice didn’t stop there as they took the lead early in the third period. Colin Morillon capped off a period of Nice’s dominance by scoring in the top corner after a great collective action led by Samuel Regis again and Nicolas Ruel. Chamonix thought they were back in the game in the next play, but the Pionniers’ goal was eventually disallowed because the goalie was down. However, it was only delayed as two minutes later, Tim Wahlgren capitalized on a rebound from an initial shot that fooled Alexis Shank. The score remained unchanged at the end of regulation time (2-2).
The two teams went into overtime in an electric atmosphere. It was eventually Samuel Regis who made the difference after several saves from Alexis Shank at the Nice goal. The Nice forward made the effort against two defenders and found the breakthrough.
Nice left with the victory (2-3) and secured their sixth place in the Ligue Magnus standings a bit more. We will see the Aigles de Nice again this Friday at Jean Bouin for the reception of Gap.
