CALGARY - After a disappointing loss to Saskatchewan on Saturday in the battle for top spot in the West Division, the Stampeders enjoyed an extra day off before returning to the practice field Wednesday.

Calgary quarterback Henry Burris, for one, appreciated the longer break as he and the Stamps (10-7-1) prepare to host the Edmonton Eskimos (9-9) in the conference semifinal Sunday (TSN, 4:30 p.m. ET) at McMahon Stadium.

"The body feels great today for a 34-year-old guy," said Burris, who commended bench boss John Hufnagel and the coaching staff for giving the players Monday and Tuesday off.

"Huf was aware of it that this team needed to rest up and get their legs back under them and get ready to make a run at this thing. We're at our best when our guys are physically fresh and mentally fresh. That's what these couple days gave everybody an opportunity to do."

Although they lost 30-14 last Saturday in Regina to the Riders, Hufnagel had no qualms about taking it easy on his players to start the week.

"I'm glad we had an extra day to get over the loss," said Hufnagel, whose squad went 3-1 against Edmonton in the regular season. "We had an extra day of mourning. Now it's full attention on the Edmonton Eskimos because we know how dangerous a team they are. They're a good football team and we have to be at our best."

Hufnagel was pleased that his players returned to the practice field with renewed enthusiasm.

"They were flying around," he said. "They were very intense. They know the chore in front of them and the challenge in front of us. We're trying to get ready as much as we can and be as fully prepared as possible for the game on Sunday."

Despite the disappointing ending to their regular season, Burris said the players are intent on reeling off three straight wins to defend their Grey Cup title.

"We are still the champs," Burris said. "We're not done until we're done. We're going to make sure we lay it all on the line. If we leave this field in defeat, we're going to make sure we crawl off this field because we gave it all we had."

After finishing the season with 1,504 yards to capture his second consecutive CFL rushing title, Joffrey Reynolds appreciated the extra rest prior to an intense four days of preparation.

"You kind of feel refreshed, but just ready to get back at playing football," said Reynolds, one of eight Stampeders named as 2009 CFL West Division all-stars. "At this point of the year, it's win or go home. Everything's a lot more meaningful."

Cornerback Brandon Browner, who also earned his second straight West Division all-star nod, said the break definitely reinvigorated him.

"It came in handy," Browner said. "I was able to get out there with fresh legs. We needed those couple days so we could rest up and come out here and give it 100 per cent."

Also named all-stars were receiver Jeremaine Copeland, offensive linemen Ben Archibald and Dimitri Tsoumpas, cornerback Dwight Anderson, kicker Sandro DeAngelis and punter Burke Dales.

"They're all very good football players," Hufnagel said. "They've had outstanding years for our football team and I'm pleased for the players."