As the East Coast recovers from a massive snowstorm, the prospect of warmer weather has provided some hope that the remaining snow and ice will melt. But that same warm weather could bring rain, which is what the forecast calls for in Pittsburgh on Saturday for the Winter Classic.
Via Weather Channel, the forecast for Saturday calls for temperatures in the mid-40s and a 50% chance of rain. Via SB Nation Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the NHL has a plan in case the weather is unsuitable for the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins to play through.
An NHL official confirmed today that a "long window" exists to play the outdoor game Saturday between the Penguins and Washington Capitals, scheduled to start at 1 p.m.
If the game cannot be played Saturday the league has reserved Heinz Field for Sunday and will attempt to play the game then, NHL vice president of player development/event communications Jamey Horan said in an email.
But that just covers Saturday, so what happens if the game can't be played Sunday?
If the game cannot be played Saturday or Sunday it will be rescheduled for a date later in the season, and the game will be held at Consol Energy Center.
Playing a game at Consol Energy Center would sort of defeat the purpose and spectacle that is the Winter Classic. For what it's worth, the Sunday forecast has a 30% chance of percipitation, but it could be a mix of rain and snow. Hopefully, none of this will be necessary and the Caps and Pens will play on Saturday at 1 p.m. as expected.