At the end of a high-intensity match, Nice Hockey falls 4-3 in Bordeaux and relinquishes its position as the leader. After seven consecutive victories, the streak ends. Nice is now 3rd but has proven that it has what it takes to aim for the Top 3.
Starting 2015 with a clash in Bordeaux, not so simple. Worse, the Boxers had just come off a superb victory in Anglet (3-2 after overtime). The statistics were not in favor of the Eagles since Bordeaux was, before the match, the only team still undefeated on its home ice. The challenge was therefore enormous for Stan Sutor’s men.
In a packed arena, as is the case for every home game, the Bordeaux Boxers start off strong with two goals, in power play, within the first three minutes of the match. Two goals on the first two shots, all within a 40-second interval (2-0, 3rd). The Niçois, not fully awake, much like the game against Cholet (a 3-1 victory after trailing 1-0), respond through the inevitable Karri Koivu. The Finnish scorer takes advantage of his line’s excellent form with Varga and Kubus to score his 13th goal of the season (2-1, 8th). In the final minutes of the first period, the Eagles equalize through Martin Vosjovic, who had not scored in two months (2-2, 16th). A lot of character on the Nice side to overturn a Division 1 powerhouse.
Few clear actions at the start of the second period, though Sedlacek stands out with a few saves. Against all odds but not against the run of play, Nice Hockey takes the lead on Bordeaux ice with the first goal in their new colors from Adam Rehak, replacing Alexandre Touchette (2-3, 28th). A short-lived advantage as Bordeaux equalizes in a power play through Martin Kulha (3-3, 32nd). The Bordeaux pressure hit the mark at the end of the period with a goal by Karl Fournier (4-3, 36th). Trailing in the score, the Boxers found the resources to equalize and then take the lead.
Intensity persist, fierce battle continues but no goals in the third and final period. Nice falls for the fourth time this season and sees Bordeaux and Anglet overtake in the standings. At the end of the 17th day, the top three teams are separated by just one point. In the next match, Saturday at 19:15, Nice Hockey will face Courbevoie, who are fighting to stay up. The Eagles have eight games left to secure a spot in the Top 4 and gain home advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Photo credit and more information at news.nicehockey.fr
