The Washington Capitals and Tampa Bay Lightning changed ends at the first whistle after the 10:00 mark of the first period to accommodate an issue with the ice in the visitors goal crease at Tampa Bay Times Forum on Thursday.

The NHL said the decision was reached during a conversation between the on-ice officials and the coach and general manager of each team.

The teams switched again in the second and third periods.

Washington led 2-1 when the first switch was made after Mikhail Grabovski scored for the Capitals at 10:37.