Winter Classic puck drops on schedule, but multiple scenarios loom

The threat of inclement weather did not postpone the start of the Winter Classic between the Chicago Blackhawks and the St. Louis Blues at Busch Stadium, but it could play a role during Monday's game.

The puck dropped as scheduled, but the league announced a long list of backup plans in case the elements interfere during play:

• The game may be subject to one or more temporary stoppages once the puck has been dropped;
• Period and game format may be reconfigured to accommodate temporary stoppages;
• In the event of high winds at the ice surface, the clubs will switch ends at the midway point of the third period, and the faceoff will take place where the play was whistled dead. This will also occur at the midway point of overtime, if necessary;
• If the game goes to a shootout, the teams will choose which end they prefer to defend, which could be the same end;
• If the game is stopped permanently due to unplayable weather conditions, it'll be deemed official once two periods have been played, with the leading team being declared the winner;
• If the score is tied and the game is stopped permanently after two periods of play, both teams will be given one point in the standings with the opportunity to earn one more in a shootout;
• That shootout would take place immediately after regulation play has been stopped, but if the conditions make it impossible to hold the shoootout safely, it will instead take place before the regularly scheduled Blackhawks-Blues game on February 26 at the United Center, with St. Louis as the home team for the shootout exclusively;
• If the game begins and is stopped permanently due to unplayable conditions with fewer than two periods played, it will be postponed and played again in its entirety at Busch Stadium on Tuesday, Jan. 3, or a later date at Scottrade Center in St. Louis if the alternate outdoor scenario isn't feasible.