For being such a rugged sport, hockey sure does require a certain set of conditions in order to be played optimally and without interruption — namely, it needs to be chilly and clear. So there are some concerns about the upcoming Winter Classic, the NHL’s annual New Year’s Day showcase game which, this year, will be played outdoors at Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field and contested between the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Upon first inspection, the most concerning part of the forecast for Saturday’s game appeared to be the potential for temperatures rise close to 50 degrees. You know, since it’s played on ice. Not so, says the NHL, who is more concerned about the threat of rain during the game, which could cause safety issues. (Have you ever tried to ice skate at high speeds while people who admittedly dislike you fire rubber pucks at you and try to knock you over while it pours? Neither have I, but it doesn’t sound particularly fun.)

It seems kind of silly to postpone a game which involves legal fist fighting due to weather, but in a world where we’re postponing football games because of snow, well, I suppose anything is possible.