With about 20 regular season games left for most teams in the OHL, it's crunch time in the Eastern Conference.

What is so great about the Eastern Conference is only 15 points separate first and ninth place in the season standings. Every team is in the hunt for home ice in the playoffs, and it is realistic for every team — except for the Kingston Frontenacs, but there is no doubt they are rebuilding and this is no surprise. That being said, one of the biggest disappointments so far would have to be the Oshawa Generals. This is a team that I, along with many others, expected would be a powerhouse and would be on top of the standings with their huge offensive presence. Although they are great offensively, they struggle on defence, but I'm not counting them out of a playoff push. Look for the Generals to make some noise in the final quarter of the season.

The Belleville Bulls are looking solid in the season standings, but I don't take them seriously as a playoff team. The team is full of great young prospects, and although they lack experience, they are competing and this is something that makes me think they will be a powerhouse in the CHL next year when they pick up some more offense in the offseason and upcoming trade deadline. The Bulls have something to look forward to, with the Subban brothers as the face of their franchise. Next year, Bellville, next year.

The potential Eastern Conference final will be between two of these three teams: Ottawa 67s, Brampton Battalion and the Niagara IceDogs. My prediction is Niagara and Ottawa in the finals, with home ice advantage going to the Dogs.

Why not Brampton? They are an overall strong team, but they are currently in a slump, going 5-1-2-2 in their last 10 games. Although they picked up points in nine of their last 10 games, overtime losses do not award any consolation in the playoffs. The mistakes they make in the end of games are going to hurt them in the playoffs.

My pick for Eastern Conference champion will be the Niagara IceDogs. This team is built off of a solid core of players who have represented their country in international play, showcasing their skills on the world's stage in pressure cooker games. Mark Visentin will be the story for this team going into playoffs, whether this team will be successful in the playoffs or not, I've argued that Visentin is not a pressure goalie, but it looks like the team puts their trust in him and that's what will push this team to a Eastern Conference championship.