Capitals adjust to Winter Classic outdoor rink

Four-time National Hockey League goal scoring champion Alex Ovechkin had a flashback to his Russian youth Wednesday as he prepared for the annual Winter Classic in the chilly Washington air.
"It's cold. It really reminds me of when I was skating outside when I was growing up," Ovechkin said after a practice session.
"The ice is great. The atmosphere is unbelievable. Right now we just have to enjoy it. It's going to be a huge game for us."
Ovechkin will lead the Washington Capitals against the Chicago Blackhawks in Thursday's contest at Nationals Park, the home of Major League Baseball's Washington Nationals.
The 29-year-old right wing, who has 17 goals this season after netting a league-leading 51 last season, was among those adjusting his game to the sun's glare, the shadows of the upper deck and stadium lights on the rink, and the tricky depth perception with stands much farther from the ice than at an indoor arena.
"We're used to something close behind the glass. It throws you off a little bit. But we'll adjust," said Capitals right wing Troy Bouwer. "There's some glare out there and it could cause some problems."
There was talk of delaying the early afternoon start with sunny skies predicted, but Capitals coach Barry Trotz said the teams might simply switch ends midway into each period to share any glare issues.
"There's going to be some glare but there's nothing you can do," Ovechkin said.
Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner found a solution by wearing sunglasses behind his helmet visor.
"We'll see if they let me get away with it," Alzner said. "Everybody asked me about it. Some were joking. Some guys were serious.
"You can play. It's tough, though. You lose the puck every now and then. It's tough to lose the puck and pick it up again. If we can use the glasses and pick up the puck, why not?"
Teammate John Carlson said he might have to try using the shades, but noted, "Both teams are going to have to deal with it. It's not an advantage. We're all going to have to do some things we're not used to, but they are not going to be foreign."
This 14th NHL outdoor regular-season contest is designed to bring back the thrills of youth playing outdoors on cold winter days.
"It was nice to be out there and get a feel for everything," said Capitals center Brooks Laich.
"It was a little challenging in the corner where it was getting soft where the sun baked at it. You would lose the puck for a second every once in a while, but you could definitely play in it."
For Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby, pucks coming at him from shaded areas or from bright areas while he was in shade were the biggest issue.
"Shadows are definitely harder," Holtby said. "There wasn't much glare for me. There were quite a few shadows."
Trotz stressed to players the importance of staying focused on the game while enjoying the challenge and the opportunity.  
"The message is enjoy this experience," Trotz said. "It's pretty unique."
Source: AFP