Nice Hockey will host, this Saturday (at 7:15 PM), the Nantes Corsaires for a clash between fourth and third place. With three consecutive defeats, the Eagles are lacking confidence but can no longer afford to make mistakes if they want to finish in the top four. It’s a high-stakes match.
A significant drop in performance for Stan Sutor’s men. Indeed, for the first time this season, the Eagles have suffered three consecutive defeats (8-4 at Neuilly, 3-6 against Tours, and 3-2 in overtime at Mont-Blanc). The absence of Karri Koivu, the top scorer, may not be unrelated to this poor run… However, the situation is far from dire. The numerous winning streaks throughout the season have left a comfortable cushion for Nice Hockey, which remains clinging to fourth place.
With Karri Koivu still uncertain (sore ankle), a surprising duo has emerged in recent matches: Klimek-Brejka. Meanwhile, Samuel Aquin seems to be making a comeback after a long dry spell. A victory against Nantes, just ahead in the standings, would give the Eagles a boost before the final sprint, which consists of the last three matches of the regular season.
But on the opposing side, it’s a team in great form traveling south. With three wins in their last four games, Nantes has climbed up the standings to even reach the podium. A defeat in their last match, to be sure, but against the leader Anglet with a score of 3-5. The Corsaires boast the division’s second top scorer in Radek Hovora (16 goals and 18 assists). With a record of 7 wins and 3 losses away from home, Nantes arrives with confidence sky-high and a desire to solidify that 3rd place.
In the earlier match, Nice caused an upset by winning 5-3 on the Corsaires’ ice after a crazy third period (4-1 for Nice). One man stood out during the game, Karri Koivu, who scored twice. There’s no doubt that his return, after about a month out, would be highly beneficial for the Nice squad.
Photo credit and more information at news.nicehockey.fr
