DOWN TO THE WIRE

Deciding the last two playoff spots in the Eastern Conference will come right down to the wire. The Red Deer Rebels (73 points), Brandon Wheat Kings (73) and Prince Albert Raiders (71) will duke it out this weekend. One team’s season will end on Sunday in bitter disappointment. Here’s a look-ahead as all three teams play divisional opponents in a home-andhome series: ■ Prince Albert Raiders (33-32-3-2) vs. Saskatoon Blades (16-49-2-3), Friday and Saturday The ninth-place Raiders have, by far, the easiest schedule out of the three as they take on the Blades, who haven’t won in their last 10 contests. However, Saskatoon scored a 3-1 victory the last time the teams met on Jan. 17, the only time the Blades beat Prince Albert in six games this season. The Raiders have one more win than does Brandon, which is the first tiebreaker.

■ Brandon Wheat Kings (32-29-6-3) vs. Regina Pats (39-25-3-3), Friday and Saturday The Wheat Kings have the fewest wins out any of the three teams still in the playoff hunt. Victories against the Pats are essential to secure or improve upon their eight-place seeding. The Wheat Kings are 3-3 against the Pats, who are holding down the East Division lead thanks to seven wins in their last 10 games.

■ Red Deer Rebels (34-3114) vs. Edmonton Oil Kings (49-18-2-1), Saturday and Sunday The Rebels have the most wins in this group. However, they clearly have the toughest schedule as they play the Eastern Conference-leading Edmonton Oil Kings. The good news for them they’re 2-2 against the Oil Kings this season. Another bit of good news: they only need one win to secure a playoff berth. Should the Rebels tie the Raiders, Red Deer holds the tiebreaker with a 3-1 head-to-head record.