Bill Karins, Meteorologist

The NHL Winter Classic is here and I say "game on." The weather won't be pretty but I'm predicting the puck will be dropped on time for largest hockey extravaganza ever played in the U.S.. In case you are wondering what I'm talking about here are the details. NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Buffalo Sabers will compete on New Years Day OUTSIDE in front of 70,000 die hard hockey fans and will be broadcast on NBC at 1pm EST. The outside part is where I the" weather guy" enter the story.

NBC Sports (smartly I must add), decided to have a meteorologist at the game in case of inclement weather. I chuckled writing that last sentence. Outdoor hockey, in the middle of a Buffalo winter, even an English teacher from South Beach would guarantee inclement weather. So right on cue, the early forecast for the game calls for rain to snow New Year's Eve then gusty cool winds Tuesday afternoon with a chance of Lake Effect Snow.

Not exactly ideal but remember this is Buffalo we are talking about. At the Giants-Bills game a week ago a very strong cold front sent torrential rain and 60 mph winds down on 70,000 fans. Did they run for cover? No, they all stood up and said bring it on as they clapped and cheered. So at the same stadium on New Year's Day I can't imagine a little snow and some gusty winds will delay what should be a once in a lifetime event for me, the fans and for sports enthusiasts everywhere.

I'll have updates on the forecast as the game approaches and we'll talk more about how the predicted elements will challenge the players and NHL ice crew during the game.