Despite being in possession of a commanding shot advantage (20-3), the Flames were unable to solve Nikolai Khabibulin through 20 minutes. In a must-win situation, Calgary's unrelenting offensive attack continued into the middle frame. With Linus Omark in the box serving a minor penalty for too many men, the Flames were presented with a power-play opportunity to snap the 0-0 stalemate. Rene Bourque curled from behind the net where he slide one past Khabibulin, putting the home side up 1-0. The Oilers were unable to respond, ultimately dropping a 6-1 decision to their rivals.

Late in the second period when the Oilers needed a spark, a scoring chance arose when Teemu Hartikainen snuck behind the Flames defence with a burst of speed. The rookie forward was then accompanied by Theo Peckham who helped create a two-on-one opportunity. Hartikainen threaded a pass across that was promptly one-timed by Peckham on goal. Flames netminder Miikka Kiprusoff made a dazzling sliding save as he denied Peckham with his right blocker, preserving Calgary's 2-0 advantage on the scoreboard.

Leaders lead and great players rise when their team needs him the most. Jarome Iginla did that tonight in a must-win situation for his Calgary Flames. Iginla notched a hat-trick on the evening, upping his total to 42 on the season to help lead his club to a dominating 6-1 victory over the Oilers. Seven shots on goal and an additional assist to cap his four-point evening told the story of an overall excellent performance. Coming into Wednesday's game, Iginla had recorded 71 points in 81 career games vs. Edmonton.

Although Nikolai Khabibulin would ultimately surrender six goals in the loss, his opening period heroics spurred opportunity as the Oilers looked to establish some momentum. In total, Khabibulin turned aside 20 Calgary shots through 20 minutes. Edmonton, on the other hand, was only able to accumulate three in the one-sided stanza. The Flames' potent attack was on display throughout the entire 60 minutes, but Khabibulin's strong play provided his team with a chance as the second period got underway.

Steve MacIntyre's 1:16 of ice-time in the opening period represented the lowest total on his team. What he was able to accomplish in that limited action was, perhaps, most impressive. Midway through the frame, MacIntyre set his sights on Flames forward Matt Stajan. Edmonton's number 33 followed through with a viciously clean hit that sent his counterpart heavily into the side-boards near the player benches. Stajan showed no ill-effects from the crunch, but an early tone was set from the physical force.

A depleted Oilers squad was at a disadvantage tonight when compared to the hungry Flames and their talented captain. Jarome Iginla came into tonight's game having recorded more points in his career (1000) than the entire Oilers roster combined (807).

Unfortunately for the visitors, his margin was extended this evening in the 6-1 loss.

"I hate making excuses for anything, so I'll just come out and say we played like crap."

-  Veteran defenceman Jim Vandermeer bluntly summarizes his team's effort in the 6-1 loss to Calgary.

The Oilers return home to Edmonton to play the last game of the season at Rexall Place as the Minnesota Wild roll into town. The action gets underway on Friday at 7:00pm MDT and will be broadcast on Rogers Sportsnet West.