After six consecutive losses, the Eagles of Nice found their way back to victory by winning on Briançon’s ice (2-5). The Niçois dominated a lively match, marked by a delayed start and impressive offensive efficiency.
A crucial break! The Eagles of Nice were back on the ice after a ten-day break. The men from the Côte d’Azur were coming off a concerning streak of six consecutive defeats. Given their opponents, this was not alarming, as the Niçois had faced Bordeaux and Angers twice, and Grenoble and Briançon away. Although these underperformances were damaging, it was time to recover against Briançon once again this Monday evening.
The match started tough for the Niçois. In the 3rd minute, William Persson opened the score for Briançon, assisted by Chase Dubois in the neutral zone. The crowd at René Froger was ecstatic. The Red Devils gained confidence (1-0). But the euphoria didn’t last long. In a powerplay, Henry McKiney, well-positioned in the traffic, equals in the 8th minute. This was his first goal in the Magnus League, coming at the right time to revitalize Nice.
The first period ends with a tie score. Both teams were testing each other, taking no real risks. Briançon fired more shots (10 attempts to 11 for Nice), but Alexis Shank remained focused in the Niçois goal.
As soon as the teams returned from the break, the Eagles of Nice accelerated. Captain Nicolas Ruel first missed his control behind the net but recovered the puck to set up Colin Morillon for a precise shot under the bar (21’49). This goal initiated Nice’s period. A few minutes later, Jordan Mugnier deflected the puck to Teemu Loizeau, who doubled the lead on the break (27’55). Nice leads (3-1) and imposed its pace.
Hugo Cal briefly rekindled hope for Briançon by reducing the gap to (3-2), his first goal in his new colors. But Nice kept control. On a well-executed counter, Jesper Larinmaa perfectly passed to Hugo Nogaretto, who immediately shot and found the back of the net (32’55). The Eagles of Nice lead (4-2). The second period confirmed their offensive domination with three goals scored in ten minutes.
The Eagles of Nice in control
The last period saw Briançon trying to come back. The home team made numerous attempts but struggled to breach the Niçois defense. Penalties piled up on both sides, disrupting the game. Samuel Régis and Louis Cirgues effectively blocked the lanes, while Alexis Shank shut down any hot moments.
Pascal Margerit, Nice’s coach, could appreciate his team’s regained solidity. After six defeats, his team showed better cohesion. Far from exposing themselves, Nice managed the tempo. The Red Devils, despite the efforts of Braiden Dorfman and Bror Fredrik Stromgren, couldn’t find another weakness.
In the closing moments, Briançon went all out. The goalie was pulled in the final seconds to gain a man advantage. But Jesper Larinmaa intercepted and scored into an empty net at 59’59, sealing the score at (5-2). This goal capped a well-executed team performance, where every line contributed to the victory.
Nice leaves Briançon with three points and boosted morale. The Eagles showcased their opportunism and efficiency at key moments. Their success in the powerplay, highlighted by McKiney’s goal, and the defensive management in the last period enabled them to move forward. The trip to Briançon, often challenging, becomes a benchmark match in their resurgence.
For Briançon, the losing streak continues with this third defeat. Pierre Bergeron’s men couldn’t find the necessary consistency despite a good start. Their inability to contain Nice’s quick attacks proved costly. The 38 shots attempted weren’t enough to unsettle Alexis Shank, well supported by his defense.
Nice thus ends their losing streak and regains confidence before hosting Rouen this Friday, November 14 (8 p.m.) in what promises to be an intense match at Jean-Bouin. The Niçois showed a more disciplined, cohesive, and especially more clear-headed approach in crucial moments. A success that reignites their season and proves they can still shake up the hierarchy in the Magnus League.
