Catch Jarome Iginla as he looks for goal number 500 during the 2011 season.

After missing the playoffs last season by just 3 points, the Calgary Flames have reloaded and are aiming to get back in the NHL post-season. Calgary hasn't one a single playoff game since their run to the 2004 Stanley Cup and subsequent loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, but that's about to change. Fans are purchasing Calgary Flames hockey tickets like crazy expecting this team to improve on last season. They have a smart mix of veteran and youth players and they are going to be a tough opponent in the Northwest Division.

General Manager Jay Feaster, who replaced Darryl Sutter halfway through last season, made some smart moves and has the Flames poised to return to an elite team after missing the playoffs by just three points. The one concern is the Flames bench, which doesn't have as many solid players as some would like. But Calgary Flames hockey is here ready for a thrilling season of Flames action. Tons of great Flames hockey fun is waiting and tickets won’t last long. Now’s the time to buy Calgary Flames tickets and watch the fastest sport live.

Flames Captain and career-Flame Jarome Iginla has the heart to lead the team to a playoff berth, but they have to win the games to get there. The 34-year-old played in every single Flames game last season, so it looks like he still has plenty left in the tank. If you buy Calgary Flames tickets you also have a chance to be there when Iginla scores his 500th goal. Fans have been closely following his quest for 500, and barring injury he should be able to get there this season. Should Iginla get his 500th goal in Calgary this could be one of the biggest games of the year, if not the decade.

The Flames are also going to lean heavily on left winger Alex Tanguay, the team leader in goals last season. You can be at the Scotiabank Saddledome to watch all the Flames hockey action in person. Flames goalie Miikka Kiprusoff has had some big saves so far and he’s looking to keep it going.

The Battle of Alberta

Of course on of the biggest games of the year is the Battle of Alberta, when the Flames face-off against their long-time nemesis the Edmonton Oilers. The Battle of Alberta is normally one of the biggest games of the year, and this year should be more of the same.

The 2011 - 2012 Battle of Alberta matchup dates are:

• Saturday, Dec 3, 2011 at 8:00 PM at Rexall Place
• Saturday, Dec 10, 2011 at 8:00 PM at the Scotiabank Saddledome
• Saturday, Jan 21, 2012 at 8:00 PM at Rexall Place
• Tuesday Feb 21, 2012 at 7:00 PM at the Scotiabank Saddledome
• Friday Mar 16, 2012 at 7:30 PM at Rexall Place

These games are going to be insane, as the Edmonton Oilers are area for anything. Here's some more details on finding Oilers tickets.

But no matter who the opponent is, the Flames have what it takes to hang in the tough Northwest Division. Be there to watch all the action in person and get yourself some Calgary Flames tickets before the season is over. You don't want the NHL playoffs to come and realize you haven't gotten out to the Scotiabank Saddledome, so move it!