2012 Winter Classic Contingency Plan Calls For Late Start Time, Tuesday Game If Necessary

It looks as though the weather is going to cooperate for the 2012 Winter Classic in Philadelphia on Monday, but if it decides to act up, the NHL has a contingency plan in place. It's pretty similar to the plan that went into effect when rain hampered the 1 p.m. scheduled start time at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh last New Year's Day.

Via the Canadian Press:

In the event of inclement weather or poor ice conditions, [NHL executive John] Collins says the contingency plan includes moving the start time back to late afternoon or evening on Jan. 2 or possibly pushing it back to Jan. 3 "if the day really is bad."

"But it doesn't look like we're going to have that kind off issue this year," he added.

It doesn't, indeed. Weather forecasts earlier this week were grim, calling for a 60 percent chance of rain, but that's cleared up as the week has progressed and it's now looking like the game will get in just fine at the normally scheduled start time. But, just in case it doesn't happen, you can rest assured that the NHL has a plan.

For more on this year's game, head over to SB Nation's Rangers blog, Blueshirt Banter, and Flyers blog, Broad Street Hockey. For everything Winter Classic in the build-up to the game, head over to our NHL Winter Classic StoryStream.