Rain could affect ‘Classic’

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

The weather is becoming a worry for the Winter Classic.

Rain showers and temperatures in the low 50s are being forecast for the Capitals-Penguins outdoor game Saturday at Heinz Field, hardly the conditions the NHL wants for its midseason showcase featuring stars Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin.

While temperatures above freezing aren’t ideal, NHL ice chief Dan Craig said they wouldn’t necessarily affect a 21/2-inch thick ice surface that is refrigerated to a very low temperature — 22 degrees. Only bright sunshine in conjunction with warming temperatures would soften the ice.

Rain is the major worry because it would unsafe for the players even if it falls only lightly. A light rain could freeze almost immediately after hitting the ice, creating an uneven surface that could quickly become unplayable. A steadier rain is even worse because it might flood the surface.

Accuweather, based in State College, Pa., is calling for showers with a high of 50 degrees on Saturday — 14 degrees above the normal Jan. 1 high in Pittsburgh.

While the game is set to start at 1 p.m., it could be pushed back to later in the day — even to the evening — if improved conditions are expected.

The predicted warmup would follow a steady month of cold in Pittsburgh, where the daily high temperature in December has been above 29 degrees only four times.

“It’s something you’ve got to deal with,” Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said Monday. “It’s something that’s a possibility, but it’s not unusual for a game like that. I don’t think you’re going to hear any complaints. We’ll just cross our fingers and hope all the conditions are well. I think whatever happens, whatever the forecast is, whatever the weather is, we’re just happy to be in that game.”

Sunday’s forecast is more favorable, but the window gets smaller — the game must be played in the morning so NBC’s telecast does not compete against NFL games.