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Barring Playoffs, Flames Battle Oilers For Last Time This Year

Tuesday’s post-Christmas Battle of Alberta at the Saddledome is the last of the season

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The final game between the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers hasn’t even happened yet but we’re already left wanting more. 

Tuesday’s post-Christmas Battle of Alberta at the Saddledome is the last of the season, with the schedule rotation landing on just three meetings between the provincial rivals this year. 

With storylines like Jacob Markstrom starting against his career nemesis, Jonathan Huberdeau (maybe) turning a corner in his time with the Calgary Flames and whether Nazem Kadri will bring some bite into the battle after a couple of days of biting into holiday food, there’s plenty to watch. 

But it all ends this week unless the two meet again in the playoffs. 

“It’s definitely odd that we don’t play these guys after tonight,” Flames winger Milan Lucic told media members after Tuesday’s morning skate. 

“That’s just how the schedule happens. What is it, every couple years you only play a divisional team three times? So that just happens to be this year against the Oilers. That’s just how it goes.”

It’s not the playoffs but a playoff spot is on the line. The Flames leapfrogged the Oilers with their win over the Anaheim Ducks before the break, taking hold of the final Western Conference wildcard spot. 

For now. 

“It’s obviously a huge game for both teams,” Lucic said. “Both teams are 1-1 in the series and both teams need the points. It makes it a big game.”

The road teams have won both meetings so far. 

“I don’t know who made that schedule, but it’s nice to have them come here a couple times,” said Calgary Flames winger Nazem Kadri. “The playoff structure, it is how it is, so we might be seeing them down the road also.”