Plenty of intrigue surrounds outdoor game in Maryland, Lance Hornby writes.

Wind, darkness, humid ice conditions and unusual sight lines will make Saturday night’s outdoor game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals one of the more challenging of this NHL Stadium Series. “Every one of these is a little different,” James van Riemsdyk said Friday after gusts up to 97 km/ h. moved the planned practices for the clubs at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium indoors. “It would’ve been nice to get out there today and get a feel for it, especially with (Toronto’s Canadian Navy-themed) white jerseys, but we’ll make it work.”

The weather outlook for Saturday shows no rain, which has been prevalent the past few days, plus a drop in wind speed to just about 34 km/ h and temperatures around 6 C when puck drops at 8 p.m. ET. “Wind can have an effect, but we’re going to get up tomorrow, there shouldn’t be much wind and we’ll have a good game,” said Leafs coach Mike Babcock, putting his faith in the forecast. “These things have a way of working themselves out.”

Here’s what to watch for: Cold comfort: Who gets acclimatized faster is always key in these affairs, but harder to predict in this situation with no real feel for the ice pending its condition for a Saturday morning skate. The wind is supposed to subside with temperatures well above freezing.

Outdoorsman: One of the most comfortable Leafs in this milieu should be van Riemsdyk, playing in his fifth outdoor game. Family ties: Many players took advantage of this event to bring family and friends to town, and will want to play well in front of them. About half the Leafs brought people, while T.J. Oshie of the Caps will have nine from his clan in the Seattle area coming to Annapolis. Role reversal: The Leafs and Caps have moved the needle a bit since last season’s playoff meeting. Washington, which won the Presidents’ Trophy yet had another early postseason exit after beating Toronto, has enjoyed a much more low-key season. The Leafs have a target on their backs. “Everybody knows how good Toronto is, how talented they are,” Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin said. Shift work: Caps defenceman John Carlson will have his hands full with Toronto’s speedy forwards, even minus Auston Matthews, who remains sidelined with a shoulder injury.