Ligue Magnus: big disappointment for the Nice Eagles who suffer a second consecutive defeat

In a rather convincing start to the season despite their latest defeat, the Nice Eagles faced Chamonix Mont-Blanc this Sunday evening away in the 8^th matchday of Ligue Magnus. Initially dominant in the first two periods without managing to pull away, the Nice players collapsed at the end of the match, conceding a heavy defeat (6-3).

After a difficult setback (0-5) at home Friday against Rouen, the Nice Eagles were keen to bounce back, away from home, against Chamonix, to break into the top 5 of Ligue Magnus.

Only one point separated the two teams at kickoff. The Nice players, 6^th with 12 points, were one point behind the Chamonix team who were losing momentum. Defeated in their last two matches, the Chamonix Pioneers were coming off an 8-1 defeat against Bordeaux two days ago. A Bordeaux team that the Nice Eagles had easily mastered 5-1 earlier in the week. In terms of confidence, a slight advantage for the Côte d’Azur team before this match.

A real turning point of this start to the season, this encounter against a direct rival started strongly for Nice. Impressive from the start of the match, the Eagles chained possession phases with the puck without managing to find the opening against Chamonix’s goalkeeper, Tom Aubrun, who was in great form.

Despite two two-minute power plays and increasingly clear chances, the Nice players struggled to unlock the match. But Tom Aubrun, who made multiple saves in the first period, eventually cracked after 17 minutes of play. Fletcher Anderson was the author of this first goal with a subtle deflection. 0-1 for Nice at the end of the first period.

Dominance but frustration for the Eagles in the second period

In a second period much more open than the first, the Nice team saw their opponents tonight equalize just minutes after the two teams returned to the ice.

Taking advantage of their first power play, the Pioneers equalized thanks to a shot by Jaakko Heikkinen, deflected by the stick of unfortunate Lucas Colombin who fooled his own goalkeeper. (1-1)

This was followed by a period of extreme pressure from the Côte d’Azur team for ten minutes, very dominant, multiplying chances, but unable to beat Tom Aubrun. The Chamonix coach then called a timeout to break Nice’s momentum and it worked. Both teams had each had good chances in an open end to the second period.

After 16 minutes of play in this second act, it was Nice’s Teemu Loizeau, assisted by Rolands Vigners and Colin Morillon, who placed a superb top corner shot. (1-2)

Three minutes later, the Pioneers came back level again, through Alessio Luciani, who managed to deflect the puck at the right moment on a long shot by Albin Thyni Johansson. (2-2)

Loss of control at the end of the match

While the Nice players had dominated the first two periods, they collapsed in the third. As in the second act, Chamonix was able to take advantage of their power play after eight minutes in the final period. On a delicious pass from Gabin Ville, Alessio Luciani scored his second goal of the evening, from close range. (3-2)

The Maralpins believed in it afterwards, with Henrik Rommel’s equalization at the end of a well-executed counterattack by John Druskinis. (3-3)

On the play, the man of the match so far, the Pioneers’ goalkeeper Tom Aubrun went out injured, replaced by a young 19-year-old goalkeeper. An opportunity that the Eagles never managed to take advantage of.

Late in the match, Nice’s defense fell apart. In quick succession, they conceded goals from Alexander Lunsjo (4-3), and Matt Tugnutt who again capitalized on the Pioneers’ power play. (5-3)

Without a goalkeeper in the final minutes to go all-out on offense, the Eagles were punished by Joseph Broutin, who was able to calmly slide the puck into the empty net. (6-3)

The Nice players failed to benefit from their period of dominance against a clinical team in important moments. After this new defeat, the Nice Eagles remain 6^th in the standings, but are losing touch with the leading teams. Next home match at the Jean Bouin Sports Palace against the Angers Dukes, 4^th in Ligue Magnus. Kickoff Friday October 9 at 8 p.m.