A glimmer of hope in a complicated period. That’s what the Eagles of Nice gave themselves tonight against Briançon at the Jean Bouin ice rink.
With only two victories in seven games in October, the Eagles of Nice needed to respond tonight. Facing the last-place team in the Ligue Magnus, Briançon, the Niçois had a good opportunity to seize. Despite the fatigue from the schedule of matches (three per week) and especially a very limited recovery time, the young squad under Frantisek Stolc clings on as best as they can.
Aware of the situation, the Briançonnais started the match with vigor. Conor Maceachern quickly gave his team the lead. The Red Devils could hope for a good result, having suffered a series of seven consecutive defeats in Ligue Magnus. Meanwhile, Nice pushed forward but couldn’t find the breakthrough in the first period. The opposing goalie, Griffen Outhouse, had a perfect start to the match.
In the second period, the intensity increased. Nice was dominated but managed to equalize through Joseph Broutin. A relief for the supporters present this Sunday evening at the ice rink. Liberated, the Niçois took the lead thanks to Taavi Tiala (2-1). The Eagles flipped the game slightly against the run of play, notably aided by Conrad Molder, who started in goal and made 21 saves.
The Eagles force Briançon into mistakes
The end of the match was tense, the stakes high for both teams needing points. Tempers flared slowly. Briançon paid for their numerous mistakes. Just back to even strength, the Red Devils conceded a third goal, scored by Filip Dvorak (3-1). Nice extended their lead and seemed to regain control of the game. Especially since the team from Hautes-Alpes kept committing fouls and found themselves in double numerical inferiority. Frantisek Stolc took advantage by calling a timeout, sensing that the game could decisively turn with five minutes left. It was a wise decision. Harijs Brants and Nicolas Ruel sealed Briançon’s fate in less than thirty seconds, securing the victory for the Eagles.
Final score (5-1) for the Azur team, giving themselves some breathing room before facing Marseille on Tuesday night away. A match that promises to be very challenging, especially since it will be the third game in five days for the Eagles. Kick-off at 8 p.m.
