The Nice Eagles once again gave us an evening full of intensity, emotions, and twists in a match against the Anglet Lobsters, where every second counted.
As part of the Synerglace Ligue Magnus, the Nice team knew they were expected, and from the first face-off, both teams set a fast pace, hinting at a tight, committed, and action-packed game.
Anglet was the first to break through, taking advantage of a moment of inattention to open the score. But the Nice Eagles, driven by a loud and demanding crowd, responded with character. It was Nicolas Ruel, one of the key players at the start of the season, who brought the Eagles back into the game with a precise shot that left the Basque goalkeeper with little chance. This equalizer sparked a surge of energy in the arena, and the Nice team then accelerated, driven by their desire to win at home.
A few minutes later, Jules Lefevre took responsibility. In a high-speed play, he found a space to send the puck to the back of the net, giving the Eagles a valuable advantage. This second goal highlighted Nice’s ability to be dangerous as soon as an interval opens. The supporters erupted, convinced that their team had found the right tempo. However, facing them, the Lobsters never faded. True to their combative style, they brought the score to 3-2, turning the match into a genuine mental tug-of-war.
A third period under high tension
The third period was a condensed display of what this Nice team is capable of: intensity, speed, and lightning transitions. In a magnificent team move, Jesper Larinmaa (#73) regained the lead for the Nice Eagles with a perfectly executed shot. The ice rink ignites, the supporters believe, and Nice seems to have control of the match. But in such a close contest, anything can change in a moment. And that’s exactly what happened. The Lobsters first equalized with an offensive move that was difficult to defend, then surprised the Nice team with a new goal in the last minutes. A real blow to the Eagles, who had shown great solidity for most of the match.
In the net, Alexis Shank (#31) was exemplary again, making multiple crucial saves to keep his team in the game. Without his spectacular interventions, the match could have shifted much earlier.
A match full of lessons before Amiens
Ultimately, the match concluded with a score of (4–3) for Anglet, and the Nice Eagles unfortunately leave with a defeat despite an intense and spirited performance.
Despite the frustration of the result, the Nice Eagles demonstrated that they could compete with very physical and offensive teams. Their ability to respond, score in key moments, and maintain constant pressure on the opponent remains an encouraging sign for the rest of the season. However, this match also underscores the importance of managing details: maintaining the lead, avoiding dangerous turnovers, and staying focused in the closing minutes. These are crucial points that Nice will need to correct quickly, as the next meeting is already on the horizon.
This Sunday, November 30, the Eagles will head to Amiens for a crucial match in the race for points. It’s an ideal opportunity to bounce back, showcase their mental strength, and confirm their DNA: a combative, united team capable of raising their level against the toughest opponents.
One thing is certain: this intense and spectacular duel against Anglet will remain a memorable moment of this season.
