The National Hockey League moved up the start time for tonight’s Washington Capitals-Anaheim Ducks game two hours to avoid complications from the incoming blizzard.
Washington’s Metro system shuts down at 11 p.m. tonight, compelling the NHL to bump the game from 7 p.m. to 5 p.m. to give fans a wider window to make trains after the game. It also hopefully provides the Ducks time to fly from Washington to Detroit for their Saturday night game against the Red Wings.
The home team’s release read:
The National Hockey League announced today the start time for the Capitals home game on Friday against the Anaheim Ducks has been changed from 7 p.m. to 5 p.m. due to the severe snowstorm impacting the Washington, D.C., area and in light of Metro’s service changes…. All tickets for Friday’s game, originally scheduled for 7 p.m., will be honored for the new start time. The Capitals remain in communication with the NHL, Pittsburgh Penguins and local government officials regarding the status of Sunday’s 12:30 p.m. game against the Penguins at Verizon Center. In the event of any schedule changes, the Capitals will email all season-ticket holders and communicate updates immediately via WashingtonCaps.com and social media platforms.
The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning for the area beginning at 3 p.m. Friday and ending at 6 a.m. Sunday. Meteorologists predict 24 inches of snow for the city and as much as two-and-a-half feet for western suburbs. “Heavy snow and blowing snow will cause dangerous conditions and will be a threat to life and property,” the blizzard warning informs. “Travel is expected to be severely limited if not impossible during the height of the storm Friday night and Saturday. Visibility will be reduced to near zero at times in Whiteout Conditions.”
The National Weather Service warns: “Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.”
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.