The Eagles easily secured an 11-1 victory against the newly promoted Val Vanoise in the 15th round of Division 1. Nice was coming off two consecutive losses (Anglet 4-0 and Tours 3-2) and needed to bounce back, which they did.
The first period immediately turned in favor of the Eagles. From the start of the first period, the opposing goalie was bombarded with countless shots, both from afar and up close. The Savoyard team managed to hold off for just a quarter of an hour before having to fetch the puck from the back of the net. The first of many.
Vladimir Kubus found himself alone facing the goalie and opened the scoring (14’31”, 1-0).
Val Vanoise was a man down, and the penalty was justified given Nice’s dominance.
Once the scoring was opened, Nice pressed even harder and doubled their lead through Lukas Spelda with a shot from the blue line (17’02”, 2-0). Seconds later, the Eagles further extended their lead with a supersonic counterattack led by Zbynek Hampl and Matej Misura, with Yoanne Lacheny finishing it off (17’34”, 3-0).
Nice in Full Control
Upon returning from the locker room, Nice maintained the same pace as at the end of the first period. Lacheny made a brilliant run and capitalized on poor defensive positioning to find himself one-on-one with the goalie and slot the puck home (3’40”, 4-0). In the following minutes, Nice relaxed and conceded a goal through Romain Pierrel, but it remained anecdotal (8’57”, 4-1).
Undoubtedly aware that the goal should have been avoided, they returned to work and straightened things out. Hamrak responded immediately, taking advantage of a power play (9’46”, 5-1).
Lacheny followed suit shortly afterward with a shot into the top corner (13’42”, 6-1).
Val Vanoise was lost on the ice, and it wasn’t over yet. This match surely reminded them of their 17-2 defeat at Anglet earlier in the season. However, in the first leg, they had only lost 5-3 to Nice and had come back twice from behind. Finally, just before the buzzer, the Eagles soared even higher thanks to their captain Aurélien Macon (19’37”, 7-1).
Too Easy to Be Bothered
For the final period, Nice’s coach, Stan Sutor, rotated the team. Those with little game time, like Fouassier in net replacing Sedlacek, the regular starter, got their chance.
The Eagles knew nothing could happen to them anymore. However, be careful, these final moments on the ice were in favor of the Savoyards. Several shots on the Nice net allowed the new goalie to showcase his talent and reassure the team. In case of a serious injury to the number one, they can count on him.
Midway through the period, Nice decided to accelerate, and Fleury, positioned centrally but wide, found the top corner (9’04”, 8-1).
The players were enjoying themselves and made it known, with smiles all around. Even when down a man, Nice further embarrassed Val Vanoise through Martin Slovak (12’36”, 9-1). Once back at equal strength, Stan Sutor’s players executed a magnificent team play, resulting in another goal, marked by Bohdan Visnak (13’22”, 10-1).
This match became interminable for the newcomer, turning into a nightmare for the Savoyards at the Jean Bouin ice rink. In quick succession, Nice even earned a penalty shot, converted by Hamrak (16’07”, 11-1).
The Eagles’ coach, Stan Sutor, was more than satisfied with the match. “I’m pleased with the 3 points and having been able to play all the players. Some had a good game, others confirmed their performances, so that’s good. We’re not shy about enjoying it. Plus, last night, we changed the lines, and Cesar Fleury impressed me.”
After two consecutive defeats, this victory boosts morale and allows Nice Hockey to take the lead in the championship before facing Cholet, their runner-up, next weekend.
Kevin Chifflet
