Blackhawks at Capitals
The Chicago Blackhawks and Washington Capitals are amassing points at a blinding pace, so perhaps it's appropriate that the start of Thursday's Winter Classic could be delayed by sun glare. Chicago has enjoyed a 15-3-1 stretch to claim the top spot in the Central Division while Washington has recorded at least a point in 11 of its last 12 (8-1-3) to move within striking distance in the Metropolitan. The forecast in the U.S. capital calls for sunny skies and 40-degree temperatures, prompting NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly on Wednesday to declare that the start of the outdoor game at Nationals Park could be moved back perhaps up to 90 minutes as the expected sun glare could provide a player safety issue.
While an official decision for the start time will be made on Thursday, Washington began its turnaround from a horrendous beginning to the season by rallying from a two-goal deficit to post a 3-2 victory over Chicago on Nov. 7. Braden Holtby, who is expected to make his career-high 14th consecutive start on Thursday, stopped all 13 shots he faced in the third period and a season-high 38 overall to preserve the victory. Both teams are making their second Winter Classic appearance as the Blackhawks posted a 6-4 win over visiting Detroit at Wrigley Field in 2009 while the Capitals skated to a 3-1 triumph over the Penguins in 2011 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, NBC, CBC, TVA
ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (25-10-2): Defenseman Duncan Keith scored in the first meeting with Washington and has recorded four assists as Chicago posted victories over Colorado on Saturday and Nashville two days later. Patrick Kane scored twice and set up another goal in the Blackhawks' 5-2 win over the Avalanche before assisting on Marian Hossa's power-play goal late in the second period versus the Predators. Kane has been blistering hot over the last nine games, scoring four goals and adding 10 assists.
ABOUT THE CAPITALS (18-11-7): Captain Alex Ovechkin was held off the scoresheet in the teams' first meeting but had a goal and an assist in Washington's 4-3 overtime loss to the New York Islanders on Monday. The three-time Hart Trophy winner has recorded nine points in his last 10 games and remains one game-winning tally shy of passing Peter Bondra (73) for the franchise lead. Marcus Johansson collected a goal and an assist in the teams' first meeting and is expected to play in his 300th NHL game on Thursday.
OVERTIME
1. Washington's Brooks Orpik will participate in the pregame skate before making a decision on playing as he nurses a right knee injury, according to coach Barry Trotz. Fellow D Nate Schmidt likely would get the nod should Orpik elect to sit out.
2. Chicago D Michal Rozsival is expected to play on Thursday after being sidelined since Dec. 23 with a lower-body injury.
3. Capitals players will wear a decal with the initials "CR" on the back of their helmets to honor Clint Reif, the Blackhawks assistant equipment manager who recently died. He was 34.