After a long series of seven consecutive defeats, the Nice Eagles regain their colors following their 4-2 victory on the ice of Cergy-Pontoise.
It was at the Aren’Ice rink that the team from the Côte d’Azur managed to change the dynamic of recent weeks. In this time, Nice saw themselves shift from the potential role of runner-up and podium contender to a mid-table team.
The main issue for Stanislav Sutor’s men lies in their difficulty in projecting forward during uncertain moments. In these many matches, the red and black team failed to finish in the last meters. To prove it, the Eagles are the ninth team in the Ligue Magnus in terms of goals, with a total of 54. And inevitably, when counterattacks are shaky, the punishment is quickly felt. The fifth-worst defense of the championship (68) must rebuild to reclaim their early season form.
The victory secured last night in the northwest of the capital was forged in pain. During the first period, everything seemed to indicate that an eighth defeat was looming. Cergy-Pontoise punished their opponent by opening the scoring in the fifteenth minute through Max Kalter. This same Kalter scored a double a few minutes later.
Returning from the locker room, the players from the Côte d’Azur showed a completely different face. Through Sacha Guillemain and Antonin Dusek, Nice came back close to the local team thanks to power plays. The first was for an incorrect charge, and the second for tripping an opponent. The final third saw both teams tied and ready to fight for the final victory. After a long moment of uncertainty, Martin Mateicek perfectly served Radomir Heizer, who managed to beat the Cergy-Pontais goalkeeper.
Currently seventh in the championship, Nice will travel to Angers on March 22.
