The Nice Eagles secured a 5-4 victory after overtime in Montpellier. A win that confirms their 1st place in the French championship.
The Nice Eagles had a very poor start to the match. For 5 minutes, Stan Sutor’s men were nowhere to be seen. The Vipers took advantage by deceiving Jimmy Lundberg in the very first minute of the match! A minute later, Montpellier increased the score (2-0). Gradually, the players from the Cรดte d’Azur increased the pace of the game. At 8 minutes into the game, Karri Koivu made a breakaway and opened the score for Nice for the evening. Despite numerous chances, the Eagles failed to equalize before the end of the first period.
In the second period, the Vipers scored their 3rd goal of the evening. Provoked, Stefan Rusnak reduced the score 2 minutes later (3-2). A few minutes later, Jimmy Lundberg stopped a penalty shot, allowing his teammates to stay in the game. Midway through the match, during a power play, Joonas Saari allowed the Eagles to equalize (3-3).
The two teams held their ground in the 3rd period. Jan Babic and Stefan Majernik broke away two-on-one, and in this situation, the Niรงois rarely falter, with Jan Babic finally beating the Vipers’ goalkeeper (3-4). It seemed that the match was settled, but Montpellier equalized 1 minute later (4-4)! Everything had to be redone… A few minutes later, the Eagles managed to beat the goalkeeper, but the goal was disallowed as it was scored with a skate…
Entering overtime, it was Jozef Slaninak who delivered the victory to the Eagles!
Stan Sutor: “We had to dig deep mentally again. We had a poor warm-up. Montpellier is a very good team; mediocrity does not forgive. We managed to come back into the game. I am very satisfied with the team’s response and the 2 points for the win. Montpellier played a very strong game.”
Sylvain Roy, captain of the Eagles: “Tricky start to the match, Montpellier took advantage by scoring 2 goals quickly. We managed to regroup, calm down, and be patient. We know we have offensive qualities that allow us to gradually make a comeback. That was the case. The coin fell on our side in overtime. Thanks to the supporters who traveled.”
Next match: Mont-Blanc โ Nice Saturday, March 3.