The Eagles of Nice achieved a remarkable feat last night in Amiens by securing an important victory in the race for qualification in the final phase. With three games remaining, everything remains open for the Azur team.
<img48862|center>
It was certainly the last chance game. The match that could definitively bury hopes of the final phase for the Niçois.
So they had to win it. And they did. But nothing was easy during this evening.
Facing them were the Gothiques of Amiens, currently 4th in the championship and considered favorites. Strong on their ice and qualified for the final of the French Cup to be held this weekend, the Picards seemed untouchable at kickoff against an Azur team that had been inconsistent in their results and ranked 10th in the standings.
More realistic Niçois to take the score
After a few minutes of observation, it was the home team controlling the match. More precise and in possession of the puck, they created several chances without converting them. Opposite, the Niçois, facing several power plays against them, managed this difficult period and Loic Chabert completed a beautiful action (0-1 17′) to take the lead.
The second period was very contested. Both teams had power plays at the beginning of the period, but it was the Eagles who extended their lead through Emil Bagin (0-2 29′).
However, the Gothiques of Amiens immediately responded thanks to young Yohan Coulaud. Driven by their fans, the home team laid siege to the Niçois camp without making a difference before the buzzer of the second period. A turning point.
Fatal counterattacks for the Gothiques of Amiens
At the start of the last period, the Azur team sensed danger and regrouped in defense. The first minutes of this period were entirely in favor of the home team seeking an equalizer but leaving gaps in defense. Playing counterattacks brilliantly, the visitors took advantage of Olivier Dame-Malka’s talent to extend their lead again (1-3 53′) and glimpse victory.
The end of the game was tense between the two teams. Still dominant but very imprecise and lacking realism, the Gothiques of Amiens conceded a fourth goal at the buzzer, sealing the outcome of the match.
For the Niçois, this away victory, their first since last December 23rd, allows the club to maintain hope in qualifying for the final phase.
With three games remaining, the Eagles are still 8 points behind Gap.
However, with one game in hand and a relatively favorable schedule, the Azur team can truly dream of a 3/3 in the coming days to secure this qualifying 8th place in the final moments.
