The invention relates to primary electrochemical cells having a jellyroll electrode assembly that includes a lithium-based negative electrode, a positive electrode with a coating comprising iron disulfide deposited on a current collector and a polymeric separator. More particularly, the invention relates to a cell design which optimizes cell capacity and substantially eliminates premature voltage drop-off on intermittent service testing. The resulting cell has a region of increased lithium thickness proximate to/under the terminal end of the outermost edge of the cathode strip.