Lead-up to the Winter Classic

Dec 31: Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews leads his teammates onto the ice for practice

Dec 31: Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane stickhandles during practice.

Dec 31: Chicago Blackhawks players pose for a team photo.

Dec 31: Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin skates during practice.

Dec. 31: Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby takes a breather during practice.

Dec. 31: The Washington Capitals pose for a team photo.

Dec. 31: Workers construct a replica of the U.S. Capitol in the outfield of Nationals Park.

Dec. 30: The completed view of center ice and center field at Nationals Park.

Dec. 30: The scoreboard can be seen in a reflection off the ice surface at Nationals Park.

Dec. 30: Former Washington Capitals star Peter Bondra skates on the ice before a Washington Capitals alunmi/VIP game.

Dec. 27: Worker paint the goal line and the faceoff circles.

Dec. 27: Workers prepare logos and markings at center ice.

A worker checks out the seating area.

Seat cushions have been put on every chair in the stadium.

A closeup of the seat cushions at Nationals Park.

Dec. 22: The boards start to go up.

Dec. 22: The visiting dugout gets a Blackhawks log.

Dec. 18: Workers prepare the foundation for the ice surface.

Dec. 15: Work began with the arrival of the refrigeration truck. Dan Craig, NHL senior director of facilities operations, left, talks with former Washington Capitals star Peter Bondra.