This evening marked the first play-off game between the Nice Eagles and the Rouen Dragons.
After defeating Gap (3-0) last week, the Nice Eagles secured their place in the playoffs. Today, the Nice Eagles faced the Rouen Dragons, the favorites after dominating the regular season.
The match starts off difficult for the Eagles. Rouen dominates this first period. The Dragons start the game at full speed by scoring the first goal within just a few minutes through Christophe Boivin. The Eagles remain undeterred and threaten multiple times. However, Rouen’s speed results in the first period ending with an advantage for the opponent leading (2-0).
The Last Efforts of the Niçois
The match resumes with difficulty, neither team finding an opening to shine. Despite the effort put in by the red and whites, the second period isn’t all rosy. Rouen extends their lead with two additional goals scored by Loic Lamperier and Enzo Cantagallo. The second period allows the Dragons to widen the gap with the Nice Eagles.
Amidst the numerous chants from the supporters, Rouen continues their forward march in this third and final period. It’s finally in this third period that Nice scores their first goal, courtesy of Jesper Larinmaa. This would not be enough for the Eagles to defeat the Dragons, who claim victory with a score of (5-1) in this first play-off match.
Nice will have to bounce back by Tuesday at home to avoid falling behind in this race for the semi-finals. Kickoff is at 8 p.m.
