Sunny DC skies on New Year's Day could postpone start of Winter Classic

WASHINGTON - Too much sun could cause a delay in the start of the Winter Classic.

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said Wednesday that the start of the New Year's Day outdoor game between the Chicago Blackhawks and Washington Capitals in the nation's capital could be moved back perhaps up to 90 minutes from its 1 p.m. scheduled face-off.

The forecast calls more mostly sunny skies and a high in the low 40s. The sun's glare could create a player safety issue — the fast-moving puck would be harder to see — and could deteriorate the ice at Nationals Park.

The shadows from the baseball stands will cover the rink by about 2:30 p.m., so that could be an alternative start time.

Daly said a decision won't be made until Thursday.