Winter Classic starts on time

WASHINGTON -- Despite concerns about the glare, the 2015 NHL Winter Classic between the Washington Capitals and Chicago Blackhawks started as scheduled.

The two teams did, however, switch ends halfway through the first period, with a hard stop at the 10-minute mark.

That was one of the options the league presented as a possibility to the two clubs leading up to the NHL's signature outdoor event. The intense sunlight was considered to be a potential safety issue for the players, many of whom wore eye black during Wednesday's practice to negate the glare.

Although many speculated about a potential delay, puck drop proceeded as scheduled.