NHL Sets Rule Changes for Outdoor Game

BUFFALO, New York (Ticker) -- The NHL is trying to ensure that neither team has an advantage in Tuesday's Winter Classic. In order to nullify any competitive edge due to weather conditions, the league announced Saturday that the Buffalo Sabres and the Pittsburgh Penguins will switch sides midway through the third period during the outdoor game at Ralph Wilson Stadium. If necessary, the overtime will also be cut in half with the clubs switching sides at the 2:30 mark and both goaltenders will get to choose which goal they defend during the shootout.

Before participating in the first ever NHL outdoor contest in the United States, the Sabres will visit the Penguins on Saturday at Mellon Arena. The Montreal Canadiens and the Edmonton Oilers participated in the "The Heritage Classic" on November 22, 2003 at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium. The contest was attended by 57,167 people, the largest contingent to watch a live NHL game, despite temperatures of minus-22 degrees wind chill. There was also a college hockey game played on an outdoor rink in 2001 when Michigan State and rival Michigan ventured to Spartan Stadium to play in the "Cold War" in front of an impressive 74,544 fans.

Weather may be a major factor in the New Year's Day contest with temperatures expected to be around the freezing mark at 1 p.m. EST. Buffalo is also not known for calm winters and the wind could have an impact, reaching up to 20 miles per hour during the game. The NHL also announced that length of intermissions between periods and timeouts may be subject to modification depending on weather and ice conditions. The league is also encouraging fans to hold onto their tickets in case the contest needs to be postponed and rescheduled for Wednesday.