1. Edmonton Oil Kings: Riding an 11-game winning streak, and looking a lot like their former selves, the Oil Kings are riding Tristan Jarry's goaltending into a playoff run. They are currently five points clear of Calgary in the Central Division and are the best defensive team in the league. They are also the third best offensive team in the league, trailing only Portland and Kelowna.
2. Swift Current Broncos: At 64 points, they aren't too impressive, but someone has to be the East Division leader, and they are it after beating Brandon last night. They aren't too impressive on either end, but they do have players to watch in Julius Honka and Brycen Martin.
3. Calgary Hitmen: Five points behind the Oil Kings, there is no question the Hitmen would love to surpass their provincial rival of the north. Their momentary slip led to Edmonton taking the division lead from Calgary, but the Hitmen do have players that can give them another deep run, and it begins with goaltender Chris Driedger. Jake Virtanen will need to step up if the Hitmen hope to make it to the finals.
4. Medicine Hat Tigers: Surprisingly the second best defensive team in the Conference, they've made a lot of their hay without Hunter Shinkaruk, who is currently out with an injury. Marek Langhammer will need to continue his great play and players such as Curtis Valk and Trevor Cox will need to continue their great play if the Tigers hope for more than just a cup of coffee in the playoffs.
5. Kootenay Ice: The Ice is mostly Sam Reinhart, Jaedon Deschenau, and a bunch of question marks. Tim Bozon and Zach Franko are nice secondary options, but after that, it's anyone's guess. This is almost certainly going to have to be Reinhart's team to carry, and if he can't, the Ice won't be long for the playoffs.
6. Brandon Wheat Kings: No such hard luck on the injury front, and while it hasn't translated to a dominating performance, they do have a shot at the East Division title. Jordan Papirny is the man in goal, and Jayce Hawryluk is the team's leading scorer.
7. Regina Pats: The trade for Boston Leier has energized the Pats and as a result, they are in playoff contention. They still have questions to answer, such as whether Dawson McAuley can be the team's rock in goal and whether Leier and Morgan Klimchuk will get help on offense.
8. Red Deer Rebels: Widely thought to have been a seller at the trade deadline, they are currently five points ahead of Prince Albert for the last playoff spot. They still don't score enough, and it is once again Patrik Bartosak that has to step up for the Rebels.
9. Prince Albert Raiders: Thought to have been a favorite to run away with the East Division, the Raiders are on the outside looking in and the only team in that category with any chance of making the playoffs. Leon Draisaitl alone is not going to solve this team's offensive woes, and Cole Cheveldae is good, but not great in goal.
10-12. Moose Jaw Warriors, Saskatoon Blades, Lethbridge Hurricanes: Moose Jaw can't score, Saskatoon can't stop anyone, and Lethbridge is just flat out terrible.
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