The Flames come out from the holiday break only a few points behind the playoff pace but well down the league standings, and heading towards big decisions

Now that Santa Claus has done his job and likely enjoying an umbrella drink in a tropical climate, the Calgary Flames will be back in action hoping to climb in the standings.

Or, at least find more clarity of the team’s direction (notably with the collection of unrestricted free-agents, a list headed by Elias Lindholm, Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev).

As the Flames (14-15-5) return from the break for a shortened week’s action, they sit only three points behind the Western Conference’s second wild-card position, currently held by the Arizona Coyotes. However, the Flames are also 25th overall by winning percentage (a position that could have huge value come draft lottery day).

With 48 games remaining, plenty of time remains in the campaign and there will be plenty of reasons to keep an eye on the club both on and off the ice.

Here is a look at the oncoming clashes as Calgary prepares for a brief two-game homestand that will take us to the New Year.

Wednesday: Versus Seattle Kraken (12-14-9)

After they ousted the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs and took the Dallas Stars to seven games in the second round, hopes were high for the Kraken in their third year of existence.

Instead, the Kraken find themselves tied with the Flames with 33 points (Calgary has played one fewer game) and needing to vault over a variety of teams for a playoff run.

It is possible a corner has been turned. After a horrid winless stretch (0-6-2), the Kraken cobbled together a 4-0-2 run before the break. Seattle has been better defensively, allowing only 11 goals in those half-dozen contests.

The Kraken have also received a much-needed offensive boost with the addition of Tomas Tatar, who has collected two goals and four points in four games since he was traded from the Avalanche, and Matty Beniers has netted one goal and five points in a three-game streak. Beniers, last season’s Calder Trophy winner, has managed only 18 points (5-13-18) in 35 games this season

Injuries have been an issue, with goalie Philipp Grubauer and forwards Jaden Schwartz, Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and Andre Burakovsky all sidelined.

The Flames have won eight of nine all-time meetings, including the last four, and already a pair of games this season — both in Seattle.

Sunday: Versus Philadelphia Flyers (18-11-4)

After missing the playoffs in each of the last four seasons, the Flyers are one of the league’s most positive surprises. They sit third in the very competitive Metropolitan Division with a 7-1-2 record in their last 10 games and points in 10 of 11 outings.

Philadelphia, which will arrive in Calgary after road games in Vancouver and Seattle, headed into the break with a wild 7-6 shootout loss to Detroit in which they trailed 5-1 after the first period, took a 6-5 lead but saw that disappear before suffering the extra-time loss.

Leading the way for Philadelphia is Travis Konecny, who is having a breakout season with 16 goals, plus the return of Sean Couturier and Cam Atkinson, who both missed last season.

As well, former Calgary Hitmen standout Travis Sanheim is on-pace for a career season.

While Calgary’s Putrid Power Play™ has been an issue (11-for-89, 11.8%, 30th overall), Philadelphia’s is the league’s worst at 11-for-104, 10.6%. Philly’s mark is even worse on the road at 2-for-42 (4.8%).