The Eagles of Nice no longer have their fate in their hands after being defeated in Strasbourg (4-5) during their postponed match of the 22nd day.
For this final day of the Ligue Magnus, they must win against Gap (3rd) and hope for a misstep from Mulhouse.
Nice was still in control of their destiny before their last trip to Strasbourg, the bottom team of the ranking. A victory could have allowed them to overtake Mulhouse in the standings and face Gap with a bit more peace of mind.
Unfortunately, the Eagles went on to suffer a second defeat in Alsace, against a team that only has… 3 victories this season!
9th and one point behind Mulhouse, 8th and last in the play-off spots, Nice must first win against the 3rd in the standings, Gap.
The match promises to be tough, against a team that has won more than half of its games (22 out of 43). Especially since the Rappers have already defeated Nice twice.
But it should also be remembered that the reigning French champion had come and lost at Jean-Bouin (0-3) during the last meeting between the two teams on December 3.
And while the people of Nice are having a difficult season, they are also capable of great feats at home. Everyone still remembers the triumph against the leading Grenoble (4-2).
But a victory for the Eagles tonight will not be enough. They will also have to hope that Mulhouse (8th) only wins, at worst, in overtime against Angers (7th).
The kick-off between Nice and Gap will be at 8 PM at Jean-Bouin.
