Break is over and it’s the Battle of Alberta! Preview: Calgary Flames vs Edmonton Oilers 12/27/2015

Edmonton Oilers @ Calgary Flames, 9:00 PM ET, Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary Alberta 12/27/2015 (35/82)

The holiday break is over for the NHL and what more could you ask for with the Battle of Alberta opening it all up for the Flames and Oilers. These teams couldn't be more evenly matched coming into this game, although they'd both like to be higher in the standings. One single point separates the Flames and Oilers in the standings, but let's face it, one point or 10 points this is still a big game for both teams. They've split the season series 1-1 with Calgary taking the last match-up 5-4. Not only is this a major rivalry game but it also showcases some of the best, young talent in hockey. Here's how they match-up:

Calgary last played on Tuesday, December 22nd and throttled the Winnipeg Jets 4-1. Johnny Gaudreau continued to be on fire getting the hat trick in the win. Here’s the highlights:

The Oilers skated last night and lost to the Vancouver Canucks 2-1 in OT. That was a big loss for Edmonton as it created some breathing room for Vancouver near the top of the division. Here’s the highlights:

Calgary Flames Projected Lineup (these are the projected lines and can be changed any time before the puck drop)

Scratches: Brandon Bollig, Ladislav Smid, Josh Jooris

Injuries: Michael Frolik

Edmonton Oilers Projected Lineup (these are the projected lines and can be changed any time before the puck drop)

Scratches: None

Injuries: Oscar Klefbom, Nail Yakupov, Connor McDavid, Rob Klinkhammer, Brandon Davidson, Andrew Ference

by Mark Parkinson