Nice Hockey qualifies for the Division 1 play-off finals. The Eagles won 3-2 against Neuilly-sur-Marne after a challenging match. The goal is achieved, and it starts this Friday.
They had done half the work on Wednesday by winning 2-1 at Neuilly-sur-Marne. Stan Sutor, coach of the Eagles, had been clear: they must not let their chance slip away this Saturday. And mission accomplished with this home victory. In total, they needed only four games in these play-offs to reach the final. An outstanding performance that allows them to conserve energy while their opponents continue their matches.
A challenging start
And yet, the Niçois started the match poorly, with Brejka receiving two two-minute penalties. The first period was largely in favor of Neuilly. The Bisons managed to set up their game and launched several attacks on Sedlacek’s goal. Sedlacek, performing well, made numerous saves but eventually succumbed to a cross-goal shot following a right-sided setup by the suburbanites, concluded with a perfect corner shot by Rioux (15’43″, 0-1). The score could have been heavier if the referee hadn’t disallowed a goal for the Bisons 20 seconds before the end of the period. The only interesting moment for the Eagles was during a power play where Misura nearly opened the score.
The Niçois recover
Right at the start of the second period, Nice Hockey was unrecognizable, likely stirred by the staff during intermission. The NH players raised their level and reduced the score 46 seconds in with a long shot by Varga (20’46″, 1-1). A minute later, Nice Hockey even had the chance to take the lead, but Hampl was thwarted by the Nocéens’ goalkeeper. The Eagles appeared to dominate the second period but were surprised by a center from the left. Sedlacek missed the opportunity, and Rioux, alone facing the net, simply pushed the puck into the goal for his team to retake the lead (23’27″, 1-2). A double for the Bisons’ player. The second period balanced out, with tensions running high on the ice. The referees often had to intervene to separate the players. Stan Sutor’s men managed to equalize with a shot from Aubert deflected by Hamon, waking up the Jean-Bouin rink for a crucial final period (30’24″, 2-2).
A crazy crowd
The final period of the match was decisive and, logically, very balanced. Both teams went all out. Well-organized defensively, Nice Hockey built their attack, benefiting Hamrak who thrilled the Jean-Bouin rink (50’47″, 3-2). The last ten minutes were very long. The Eagles cleared the puck and experienced some scares from Neuilly’s plays. Ultimately, the defense held firm. The players celebrated on the ice and didn’t want to leave. They celebrated this victory with the crowd by taking a giant selfie and singing the traditional “We’re in the final!” The loyal Jean-Bouin crowd will see their favorites again on Friday evening for the first final match against Anglet or Caen.
Reaction from Stan Sutor, head coach of Nice Hockey:
“We achieved the club’s goal. Now a final is played to be won. Concerning today’s match, we were impressed by Neuilly’s team. It’s the first time we’ve been so dominated in the first period. There was more tension in this match than the first leg. Fortunately, we didn’t fall into their trap.”
Alexandre Demesy
