NHL switches Winter Classic to nighttime start

PITTSBURGH

The NHL is moving the Capitals-Penguins Winter Classic to a nighttime start to avoid predicted daytime rain in Pittsburgh.

The game, scheduled to start shortly after 1 p.m. EST on Saturday, has been moved to 8 p.m. It will be the first of the four Winter Classics to be played at night.

The NHL announced the switch Friday so the 67,000 fans — about 20,000 from Washington — had time to adjust their plans. Forecasters are calling for nearly an inch of rain before it lets up late in the day.

The game cannot be played in steady rain because it would significantly increase the risk of player injuries.