As the Calgary Flames approach the halfway point of the 2016-17 campaign, games start to take on more meaning.
Like, for example, Thursday’s game against the visiting Anaheim Ducks (17-12-7); a Pacific Division rival whom the Flames (19-16-2) can leapfrog in the standings with a victory.
But the game is also a rematch of sorts.
The last time the Ducks dropped into the Scotiabank Saddledome, it wasn’t pretty. For the visitors, anyway. An 8-3 Duck roast by the Flames on Dec. 4 is still fresh in both teams’ minds.
“I don’t think they’re happy,” said Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan after Thursday’s morning skate.