Out of the game Tuesday night at Ile Lacroix, defeated 4-1 by Rouen, Angers recovered on Wednesday by picking up at 1-1 in this Magnus League semi-final. The Dukes had however conceded a first goal very quickly. Latvian Rolands Vigners gave the Dragons the lead after just 1’09 into the first period. But Gints Meija, another Latvian, restarted the match at the start of the second period. With this goal on counter-attack, while Angers played in numerical inferiority, everything had to be done again for the locals.
Back to back at the end of regulation time, the two teams embarked on an extension and it was the inevitable Jonathan Charbonneau who delivered the Angevins after 1’47 (2-1 ap). This golden goal allows the Dukes of Angers to return to equality before the two games at Iceparc.
Grenoble wear and tear
In the other semi-final, Grenoble got the better of Cergy-Pontoise. Winners 9-2 Tuesday at Polesud, the Burners of Wolves won again against the Jokers (4-2). If they were surprised by the opener of the American Robert Baillargeon, the leaders at the end of the regular season picked up 16 seconds later.
At 1-1 at the start of the last third, everything was possible for the visitors, but the Grenoble team finished strong to win by two goals. Les Brûleurs de Loups will have the opportunity to qualify for the final if they win the two matches scheduled at the Aren’Ice in Cergy, the first of which will take place on Saturday.
