When the NHL started the Winter Classic two years ago it couldn't have gone any better. The league's premier player, Sidney Crosby, scored a shootout goal in the falling snow to help the Penguins beat the Sabres.
But what happens if it rains during Friday's game. Despite today's frigid temperatures forecasters are calling for 40 degree weather and rain. This surely has to be a worst case scenario for the NHL. The league does not get much national television exposure. A New Year's Day game in which the game is ruined because of poor ice conditions and rain will not only dampen the players but also the league's image. Currently there is a backup plan that will have the game moved to January 2nd if the weather does not look favorable. However if the weathermen are wrong and it begins raining in the middle of the game then what will Gary Bettman do?
And what about the city of Boston? Beginning in 2007-08 the Bruins resurgence have some in the city actually following hockey. A successful Winter Classic and a postseason run may be all that is needed to put the Bruins back on the hockey map. But will Sunday's forecast rain on the Bruins parade?
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