Sunshine could create issue at Winter Classic

When the NHL's Winter Classic is held every January, the sun is never a welcome guest.

But sunny conditions, with 41 degree temperatures, are expected New Year's Day when the Washington Capitals entertain the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationals Park in the seventh Winter Classic (1 p.m. ET, NBC).

With the NHL's advanced ice-making technology, temperature is no concern. But the 2012 Winter Classic in Philadelphia and the first Stadium Series game in 2014 at Yankee Stadium were delayed because of glare issues.

"I don't think the ice conditions will be an issue for either team," NBC analyst Pierre McGuire said.

With the inaugural College Football Playoff games starting at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, no one wants any form of delay.

NBC officials aren't concerned.

"Whether it's snow, cold, fog or sun, weather is part of the charm of the Winter Classic," the network said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports. "(That) is why we have The Weather Channel's Jim Cantore as part of our broadcast team that day. We're used to dealing with scheduling challenges for a variety of reasons for many of the sports we cover. We're confident Thursday's game will be another classic, regardless of when the puck is dropped."

The Capitals have enough to worry about, because home teams are 1-5 in Winter Classics.

"I believe the home team has issues in these games because of distractions and the atmosphere is more neutral than partial, as it is more of a total league event," McGuire said.

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