With the SJHL regular season beginning to wind down and some teams already being eliminated from playoff contention, it's officially the stretch drive for the Estevan Bruins and the finish line is in sight. 

That finish line is the divisional crown. They won't be catching either of Battlefords or Nipawin at this point, even though it's mathematically possible. Those two teams are running too hot to be caught and their hold on positions one and two in the SJHL standings is iron-clad. 

Estevan has officially clinched a playoff spot, but beyond that not much is fully decided. They've still got a five point cushion on Weyburn for the Viterra Division lead (entering play on Wednesday, February 14 between the two teams) but nothing is certain yet.

The difference between winning the division and finishing second could be huge. Finish in second and the Bruins could find themselves in a survivor series if someone like Kindersley (who are charging hard) pushes their way into sixth. Finish in first, however, and they're guaranteed home ice advantage in the first round.

That first round opponent, by the way, looks as of now to be either of Weyburn or Notre Dame, both of which would be favourable match ups given the season series between the Bruins and those teams. They'd also be a lot less of a financial burden on the Bruins than, say for instance, Kindersley.

Of course whoever the Bruins get in the first round, if they want to achieve their long-stated goal of winning a championship they'll need to go through one of Nipawin or Battlefords in the second. Both teams are loaded at all positions and strong in goal, and Battlefords in particular is offensively explosive. Nipawin, meanwhile, hasn't lost in regulation since November 10.

A staggering run for the Hawks has them comfortably in first place, and they remain the team to beat, but Battlefords has the firepower up front and the pedigree, having swept the playoffs en route to the Canalta Cup last year. Either or both of these teams may stand in the Bruins way in the playoffs.

For Estevan, the stretch drive becomes about ironing out the kinks in preparation to (hopefully) match up with the SJHL's best. The victory over Notre Dame, despite missing Matthew Chekay up front and Johnny Witzke on the back end, showed some things are starting to round into form at the right time for Estevan.

It's also a chance to earn some individual accomplishments, though the players will insist they pay these no attention. Michael McChesney, Zach Goberis, and Kaelan Holt are all flirting with the 30 goal barrier. If all three were to hit it, it would be the first time for an SJHL team to have three 30-goal scorers since Flin Flon in 2015-16.

Meanwhile, with Arthur Miller and Hayden Guilderson closing in on 20 goals, and McChesney, Goberis, Holt, and Jake Fletcher having already hit that mark, the Bruins could see all six of their top-six forwards score 20 goals. They were the last team to accomplish that feat, also in 2015-16.

We're drawing closer to a time where those stats don't matter, however, and those are the times these players live for. With the playoffs looming and the Bruins guaranteed a spot in the dance, all that's left is for the stretch drive to determine which spot it is.

With another Bruins blog in the books, I'm Rob Mahon, saying farewell for now.