GAME 5 PREVIEW: Petes Look to Take Series Lead Back to North Bay
The Peterborough Petes return home to the PMC tonight for Game 5 of their 2026 OHL first-round playoff series against the North Bay Battalion. The series is tied at two games apiece following Games 3 and 4 in North Bay.
On Sunday afternoon, the Petes took Game 3 in overtime after Kieron Walton scored his second OT goal in as many games. Peterborough carried a 2–1 series lead into Tuesday night for Game 4 but came up short, falling 4–0 to the Battalion.
Tonight, Peterborough will look to bounce back from Tuesday’s loss and take a 3–2 series lead with a win on home ice.
The Petes’ offence was not clicking in Game 4, as they were shut out for the second time in the series. Being back at home should help spark the team, especially with attendance already well ahead of Games 1 and 2. The Petes will look to potential first-round NHL pick Adam Novotny to set the tone in Game 5. Novotny has been snake-bitten so far this postseason, but the chances he’s generating are bound to pay off. After being robbed twice in Game 4, he’ll have extra motivation tonight as he looks to get on the board.
This series has not been for the faint of heart. All four games have featured gritty, physical hockey, and that is not expected to change. Garrett Frazer, Grayden Strohack, Braydon McCallum, and Brett Hammond have all been game-changers when they’re on the ice, using their physical play to disrupt North Bay’s system.
The Battalion looked very comfortable at home in Game 4, scoring four goals on 39 shots in regulation. Cam Warren and Ryder Cali led the way offensively for North Bay, each recording a goal and an assist. Jack Lisson once again looked steady in the Battalion net after taking over for the suspended Mike McIvor. Lisson picked up his second shutout of the series, stopping all 33 Peterborough shots.
On the back end, Aaron Enright continues to be a difference-maker in the series. He has been solid defensively while also playing a physical game and contributing offensively.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. Tickets for the game can be purchased by clicking here, calling (705) 743-3561, or by visiting the Doane Grant Thornton Box Office during office hours. Fans can also catch the game live on YourTV Peterborough, Freq 90.5, and FloHockey.
