By: Annie Nadin
After an intense battle with the San Diego Gulls on Dec. 21, followed by a brief holiday pause, the Wranglers are back in action.
The Matchup
The Wranglers visit the Tucson Roadrunners for a two-game set on Dec. 27 and Dec. 28, with both puck drops scheduled for 7 p.m. MT
It marks the second doubleheader between the clubs this season.
The teams last met back on Oct. 18 and 19, splitting the series with both games decided in overtime.
Tucson edged Calgary 5-4 OT in the opener before the Wranglers responded with a 4-3 OT victory the following night.
Calgary enters the matchup riding momentum after a 2-1 home win over the Gulls, improving to 14-10-5-1 on the season.
That contest featured a standout performance from goaltender Arsenii Sergeev, who turned aside a franchise-record 52 shots in his league debut.
The Wranglers currently sit fourth in the Pacific Division.
That said, the roster looks different than it did the last time these teams met.
Ivan Prosvetov is missing between the pipes, while key blueliners Yan Kuznetsov and Hunter Brzustewicz are recalled with the Flames.
Their absence has created opportunity, however, with rookie goaltenders Owen Say and Sergeev stepping in, alongside rookie defenceman Étienne Morin who is finding his stride.
The Other Side
Tucson will be looking to end their three-game loss streak.
The Roadrunners hold a 10-12-4 record and are ninth in the Pacific Division.
Earlier this month, the Utah Mammoth recalled rookie forward Daniil But, who recorded 17 points in 19 games with Tucson prior to the call-up.
Offensively, Ben McCartney continues to lead the way for the Roadrunners, pacing the team with 25 points (11 G, 14 A) in 26 games this season.
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