The Eagles of Nice secure a 5-2 victory against Mulhouse and confirm their place in the Top 4 of Division 1. Nice Hockey shivered at the start of the third period but managed to make the difference at the end of the match. Undisputedly, Nice’s goalkeeper Vojtech Sedlacek was named man of the match.
The Eagles start this last regular season game at Jean-Bouin with a bang, scoring in the second minute of play through Andrej Brejka. The Eagles’ offense perfectly sets up the Mulhouse defense, with Kubus passing back to the Slovak who just has to push the puck into the net (1-0, 2nd). Less than two minutes later, the Nice ice rink erupts again with a goal from Milan Varga after another well-executed attack by Stan Sutor’s men (2-0, 4th). Then came the Sedlacek show. The Czech goalkeeper makes three decisive saves in less than five minutes. And at the very end of the period, during a power play, captain Aurélien Macon scores his team’s third goal with a top corner shot after excellent work by Aquin and Raïkonnen. Perhaps the best period for Nice since the start of the season.
“Scoring right at the start was crucial. All the lines performed well tonight. We were pushed by the coaching staff, but we switched to ‘winning mentality’ mode. Even though we had ups and downs, it’s good for confidence,” admits Samuel Aquin, a scorer this Saturday night.
Right at the start of the second period, the Eagles have to manage being shorthanded. No goals but a brilliant save by Sedlacek. Solid in defense, quick on the counter, Nice Hockey manages their lead gained during the first period. Yoanne Lacheny hits the crossbar in the 26th minute, sending shivers through Jean-Bouin. The Azuréens, however, have to manage several close calls. They concede a goal by Mrna who takes advantage of a slightly late defense (3-1, 31st). A few seconds later, Sedlacek, once again, makes a magnificent save. At the end of the period, Vosjovic hits the post after good work from the Eagles’ attack. No luck in this second period but the score still favors the Eagles.
At the start of the third period, the Eagles scare themselves by conceding a goal from Galkins (3-2, 44th). The Scorpions come within one goal and continue to believe. An opposing goal boosts the Niçois. The Mulhouse goalkeeper makes a decisive save on a shot by Lacheny. In the following play, Brejka misses another chance to widen the gap. Tension is palpable, the Niçois suffer in silence but manage to free themselves thanks to the fourth goal by Adam Rehak (4-2, 54th). The hardest part is done, as it was closer to 3-3 than 4-2. Following the goal, Sedlacek saves his team again with two superb saves. Mulhouse makes a final push by pulling their goalkeeper. In vain, Samuel Aquin scores into the empty net (5-2, 59th).
“We are very happy with this win after three tough matches. Every game is hard against Mulhouse. Winning was important for our minds. Without Karri (Koivu, with an ankle injury), it’s tough but I try to give everything,” explains Vladimir Kubus, who made three assists.
Photo credit: Nice Hockey
