Nice Hockey was defeated 7-2 on the Anglet ice rink for Game 2 of the playoff semi-finals. As in the first leg, Nice Hockey failed to compete with a high-quality opponent. No feat, but a 2014-2015 season that leaves good hopes for the future.
A Logical Conclusion
Nice Hockey stops here, no final like in 2011-2012. There was no incredible feat on the Basque ice. This heavy score does not reflect the work and investment of the group throughout the year. The people of Nice have no reason to feel ashamed of their performance and their season.
Penalties are Costly
Right from the first seconds, Nice Hockey took advantage of a penalty given to an Anglet player to open the score with a goal by Varga (2nd minute, 0-1). A short-lived lead as Anglet, two minutes later, also capitalized on a power play to equalize with a goal from Xavier Daramy (4th minute, 1-1). Thirty seconds before the end of the first period, Anglet took the lead with a goal from Tomas Rubes (20th minute, 2-1). A blow to the head for the people of Nice.
Back from the lockers, Nice received two penalties back-to-back and played 3 against 5. Xavier Daramy took advantage and scored again (24th minute, 3-1). Anglet managed its numerical advantage perfectly and demonstrated it again with Alexander Olsson (27th minute, 4-1).
In the third and final period, the people of Nice seemed overwhelmed by the event and continued to make errors. Anglet, once again on a power play, extended their lead with a goal by Mathieu André (50th minute, 5-1). Mere seconds later, Nice played at full strength, but that didn’t stop Luc-Olivier Blain from driving the point home (51st minute, 6-1).
The Aiglons then benefited from a power play themselves, and Varga scored his second goal of the evening, without consequence (56th minute, 6-2). At the very end of the game, Benoit Ladonne finished the scoring for Anglet (59th minute, 7-2). Of the nine goals, six were scored with a power play advantage. In this match, penalties played a more than significant role.
No Shame in This Elimination
The Eagles certainly learned a hockey lesson over the two matches, but the club is growing. It needs to learn. Nice Hockey had previously made it to two quarter-finals in the past two years. The semi-final was an objective from the beginning of the season, and it was achieved. The Côte d’Azur club has made a breakthrough.
For a Division 1 final? NHCA will consider it in a few years.
The Aiglons, players, manager, and staff can be satisfied with this superb season in Division 1. The club’s goals were met. Finishing in the top 4 and advancing past the playoff quarter-finals. A few months later, Stan Sutor’s team finished third (16 wins, 6 losses) and stopped in the semi-finals.
Who Will Be Promoted to Ligue Magnus?
Anglet will challenge Bordeaux, who defeated Reims, for the playoff final. At stake is a place in the elite of French hockey. To achieve it, they will have to win three matches.
Kevin Chifflet
