No miracles. The chances of a historic qualification for the final of the Magnus League playoffs are now infinitesimal. After two setbacks (7-2 then 5-2) among the Rouen Dragons, the Cergy-Pontoise Jokers once again lost heavily (1-6) this Tuesday evening at the Aren’Ice against the Normans during the 3rd round of the semi-finals.
Trailing 3-0 in this series, the Val-d’Oisiens must now win the next 4 matches to continue their adventure in the playoffs. After their immense performance against Angers (4-2) in the quarter-final, they will have to achieve a real feat to achieve this.
This Tuesday, Miika Elomo’s men were powerless against the reigning French champion. However, they had started their meeting perfectly by opening the score quickly thanks to an opportunistic goal from Louis Petit (1-0, 4th) to the delight of a packed Aren’Ice (3,000 people).
A one-sided end to the match
But the Rouennais quickly reversed the trend by scoring two goals in 3 minutes from Quentin Tomasino and Anthony Reich, crowned best player in the Magnus League. In the second half, Cergy-Pontoise attacked to try to equalize without being able to find the fault. Unlike Rouen who made the break through Boivin before the break (1-3, 38th).
The 3rd and final third is one-way. After 3 successes in as many playoff matches in its cauldron, the Jokers are beaten for the first time by a solid and efficient Rouen team which is heading straight towards the final. The two teams will meet in the same place in less than 24 hours for the 4th match. The Jokers will try to achieve a first success to survive in this series. “I am proud of my players because they did their best,” says Miika Elomo. We will see tomorrow. In sport everything is possible. Let’s start by winning a first match. »
“The score does not reflect the nature of the match,” said striker Sayam Limtong. The Normans were better offensively. Our team is a little tired. We only play with 3 blocks (rotation). Mentally it’s difficult to lose heavily 3 times in a row but we stay positive thinking about tomorrow’s match. Everything is still possible to qualify. »
