Babcock optimistic Leafs-Caps outdoor game will go on despite high winds Friday

Mike Babcock doesn't even want to think about the possibility that the Stadium Series game between his Toronto Maple Leafs and the Washington Capitals might be jeopardized by the weather.

"(On Saturday,) we're gonna get up, there's going to be no wind and we're going to have a good game (Saturday) night. That's just the way it's gonna be," the Leafs head coach told reporters Friday, according to The Athletic's Jonas Siegel.

"These things have a way of working themselves out," Babcock added, via Stephen Whyno of The Associated Press.

On Thursday afternoon, both the Capitals and Maple Leafs cancelled their Friday outdoor practices originally scheduled for the ice surface at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md., opting to move them indoors.

The high winds did indeed arrive Friday, gusting up to 80 mph, per TSN's Kristen Shilton.

Welcome to Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, where everything that isn't strapped down might blow away. #StadiumSeries pic.twitter.com/UpbYdQuFyY

- Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 2, 2018

The Capitals took the ice instead at their usual practice facility, the Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Va., while the Leafs held their session at McMullen Ice Arena in Annapolis, according to NHL.com's Tom Gulitti.

While Babcock didn't seem fazed by the potential conditions, Toronto forward Mitch Marner appeared to be a little more concerned.

"It's not going to feel good on your body," he said, according to Whyno.

There is a high-wind warning in effect for the area, but as of now, it's only in effect until 6 a.m. ET on Saturday.

The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.

Copyright (C) 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.