The NHL has delayed Saturday’s Lake Tahoe game between the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche after one period due to ice issues caused by weather.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in an appearance on the game broadcast that the game will continue at midnight ET/9 p.m. PT. The Avalanche currently lead 1-0 after a goal from Sam Girard.
Sun caused issues during the first period with players and officials stumbling in ruts in the ice. After the conclusion of the first period, the NHL announced a delay to allow staff to work on the ice, which included covering sections with a tarp to keep the sun off it.
The sun is causing some slight issues on the ice at Lake Tahoe today.#NHLOutdoors | #NHLonSN pic.twitter.com/RgfTvY7slk
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 20, 2021
The Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers are scheduled to play on the same ice surface Sunday. That game has been delayed until 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT due to weather conditions. The Bruins and Flyers were scheduled to practice on the Lake Tahoe rink Saturday morning but were forced to take things indoors due to poor ice conditions.
While weather has disrupted NHL outdoor games in the past — including delaying start times — this is the first time a game has been postponed before it could be completed.
