Calgary Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Flames have fourth game postponed amid COVID-19 outbreak

As became apparent to any outside observer earlier in the day, the Calgary Flames will not return to action from their worsening COVID-19 outbreak this weekend. 

One wonders if they'll stay sidelined through Christmas. 

Calgary confirmed Wednesday afternoon that Saturday's home game against the Columbus Blue Jackets has been postponed, the fourth contest scrapped amid the Flames' outbreak since Monday. 

"As an appropriate precaution, the team's training facilities will remain closed for players until further notice," the Flames added in their brief statement. "The league is in the process of reviewing and revising the Flames' regular-season schedule, and will provide a further update next week."

Assuming the Flames can't get back to in-person work this weekend, their matchup against the Anaheim Ducks set for next Tuesday will also likely have to be shifted. The status of Calgary's home game against the Seattle Kraken on Dec. 23 is also up in the air. 

Following a Wednesday update, the Flames had 16 players, head coach Darryl Sutter, assistants Ryan Huska and Kirk Muller, and seven support staff in the COVID-19 protocol. 

Per ESPN's Emily Kaplan, the NHL is implementing enhanced coronavirus protocols through at least Jan. 7 in a response to rising cases around the league:

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Brad Keselowski breaks 110-race winless streak at Darlington
Pacers blow out Knicks on Mother’s Day, even series at 2-2
Hawks GM 'shocked' that his team won the NBA Draft Lottery
Prolific former Brewers, A's slugger announces retirement
Watch: Padres star passes father on all-time home runs list
Saints to sign veteran offensive lineman
Smother's Day: Pacers shut down Knicks in first half of Game 4
Flyers goaltender suspended from international play for three years
Pistons make wrong kind of history at NBA Draft Lottery
Watch: Pacers C Myles Turner makes absurd three-pointer in first quarter vs. Knicks
Hawks win 2024 NBA Draft Lottery
Giants place key outfielder on injured list
Broncos release former Super Bowl champion WR
Novak Djokovic thinks water bottle incident may have played role in surprising loss
Steelers agree to deal with veteran CB
Bruins captain out for Game 4 vs. Panthers
Veteran WR announces retirement from NFL
Mavericks come from behind to down Thunder, take 2-1 series lead
Stars continue road dominance with Game 3 win over Avalanche
Watch: Paul Skenes wastes no time showing why Pirates drafted him No. 1 overall