Two local teams are looking at potentially crucial Game 5 matchups in the OHL playoffs.
The Brantford Bulldogs had a chance to sweep the North Bay Battalion Thursday night as the two teams met up for Game 4 in North Bay.
With their playoff run on the line, the Battalion rallied, coming out strong with two goals in the first period.
Brantford’s Nick Lardis came storming out at the start of the second period, putting the Bulldogs on the board after just 15 seconds.
From there, the Battalion capitalized on a power play, extending their lead.
Despite two more goals from Calvin Crombie and Luca Diplacido, North Bay refused to let up, eventually taking the matchup 6 – 3, including an empty netter to end the night.
The series now stands at 3 – 1 in Brantford’s favour as they head back to the Brantford Civic Centre for Game 5 on Saturday.
Meanwhile the Kitchener Rangers are preparing for their own Game 5 tilt against the Flint Firebirds Friday night.
The Firebirds are on the verge of elimination after the Rangers routed them 5 – 1 in Flint on Thursday.
Following a scoreless first period, Jack Pridham and Tanner Lam lifted the Rangers to a 2 – 0 lead early in the second frame. Flint’s Connor Clattenburg answered with a goal of his own, but he was the Firebird’s lone goal of the night.
Trent Swick, Christian Humphreys and Matthew Hlacar all lit the lamp for the Rangers, contributing to their 5 – 1 win.
The series now stands at 3 – 1 for the Rangers.
Kitchener fans are expected to pack the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Friday night as the Rangers face an opportunity to close out the series. Puck drops at 7 p.m.
