The Eagles of Nice won, two goals to one, in the first preparatory match of the ADN Riviera Cup. A controlled victory for the Niรงois.
The Eagles of Nice started their preparation tonight at the Jean Bouin rink, on the occasion of the ADN Riviera Cup. A first test against Brianรงon. A confrontation that was very balanced on paper since both teams finished, respectively, in eighth and ninth places of the 2024-25 regular season.
The Eagles got off to a perfect start in their match. They quickly found themselves in a power play, due to an obstruction by Brianรงon. The Niรงois capitalized at the end of the two-minute penalty, thanks to a goal by Jordan Mugnier. After their start, the men in red dominated the rest of this first period. A match with a lot of intensity and few stoppages. The Niรงois may have some regrets, as they had the opportunity to break away in this first act.
Sloppy play in the second period
The scenario completely reversed at the beginning of the second period. The Eagles found themselves in a penalty kill. They were punished by a realistic Brianรงon team. A goal scored by Chase Dubois, for the equalizer (1-1). A few moments later, the Red Devils of Brianรงon were once again in a penalty kill due to another obstruction. Unfortunately, the Eagles did not take the opportunity to regain the lead in the score.
The second act of this part was much more disjointed. Sloppy play increased on both sides. The last minutes were better for the Niรงois. After a long sequence of domination, over two minutes in front of the opposing goal, the Eagles finally found a way through and scored the go-ahead goal. A goal scored by number 78, Teemu Loizeau, just over two minutes from the end of the second period.
A tense end to the match
The beginning of the third period was quite calm but fluid. The Eagles of Nice dominated and hoped to protect themselves from the equalizer. In the last ten minutes, the pace of the match intensified, with the Nice team pushing in front of the Brianรงon goal. Tension was present, with the start of a fight between two players. The tension quickly subsided, and both players received a penalty for “roughness”. Both teams played with five players.
At the end of the match, the Brianรงon team went all out, playing without a goalkeeper in the last two minutes. Efforts that did not allow them to equalize. The Eagles of Nice won two to one in a controlled match, but with some finishing issues.
Objective, return to the playoffs
The Eagles of Nice experienced the pleasure of the playoffs for the second consecutive season last year. Although the adventure was short-lived last year, the Niรงois fully intend to qualify again this season. A quest that will begin at home, on September 12, against Chamonix. The pioneers finished in 7th place in the regular phase last season. They were also eliminated in the first round of the playoffs against Angers (4-2). A tough opponent to begin the new season. The Eagles of Nice can count on the support of their public.
After this victory, attention turns to the second preparatory match against the Spartans of Marseille, this Sunday at 7 PM, at the Jean Bouin rink.
