A complicated but successful match for the Eagles who won 4-2 against Dunkirk. Nice Hockey continues its good momentum and temporarily takes the lead until Anglet’s game. The club lines up a sixth consecutive victory.
From the start of the match, the Niçois, like against Anglet, left possession to the opponent, forcing their goalkeeper, Sedlacek, to show his talent. Barely three minutes into the game and already 3 decisive saves for the Czech goalie. In the 5th minute, a great opportunity for Lacheny who is stopped by the opposing goalkeeper. First revolt of the Niçois. The first third, dominated by Dunkirk which has the best chances, ends with a score of 0-0.
“During the break, the coach told us to get into the game, simplify things and build our plays like we know how,” explains Karri Koivu, the Finnish forward of Nice Hockey.
Only thirty seconds into the second period, Dunkirk scores against Sedlacek. A nice goal by Maxime Brachet who deceives the Niçois goalkeeper with a shot under the crossbar (20th, 0-1). Nice Hockey struggles to develop its game but has a response. Karri Koivu, the man in form for the Eagles, sets an example and fires a shot that lodges in the opposite top corner of Dunkirk’s goal (26th, 1-1). Koivu, once again, allows Nice Hockey to finally take the lead with a masterpiece shot that ends up in the top corner of the goalkeeper (36th, 2-1). Nice Hockey heads to the locker room with a slight advantage, 2-1.
“Vargas gave me a very good pass towards the blue line, I saw that the defense was out of position. I observed the goalkeeper’s position, saw a space on the opposite side, took a chance, and succeeded,” analyzes Koivu, who scored his 11th goal in 9 matches this season.
In the third period, both teams start by observing each other. Against the flow of the game, Dunkirk equalizes with a cross-shot by Kai Ohberg (48th, 2-2).
The Eagles’ response is immediate. A Dunkirk defender loses the puck in the middle of the field, allowing Samuel Aquin to face off with the goalkeeper. The Canadian doesn’t flinch and places the puck into the top corner, unstoppable (49th, 3-2). Nice Hockey finally dominates its subject. With one minute left on the final buzzer, Dunkirk goes all in and pulls their goalie to put in an extra player in hopes of equalizing in the last seconds. A tactical choice that works in favor of the Eagles. Slovak, with the puck on his stick, shoots from midfield into the empty net, goal. The game is over (59th, 4-2). Nice Hockey can thank its forward Karri Koivu, who was named man of the match at the end. Having scored four goals in Mulhouse at the end of November, the Finn is rewarded tonight with a brace.
“At the moment, I feel great and I’m enjoying myself. I work hard every day to return to my best level because I’m coming back from an injury. These goals give me a lot of confidence. It’s nice to be in the lead, but there are still 10 matches to play, plus the playoffs. We have to keep working and raising our level. The season is not over,” concluded the man of the match.
Tonight, Nice Hockey temporarily takes the lead of the Division 1 championship. The players will take advantage of the Christmas period to rest and come back stronger on December 27 at home against Cholet for the 17th day of D1.
Kevin Chifflet
Photo credit and more information on news.nicehockey.fr
