from Stephen Whyno of Capitals Watch at the Washington Times,

“There's lots of new rules on what we have to do with ice quality,” Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis said. “We're totally committed to having the best ice that we can possibly have.”

Verizon Center's ice has been a subject of ridicule, and arena staff has gone to lengths to maintain some measure of quality, especially when the temperature in the District gets above 90 degrees. The Gallery Place Metro stop adds another variable.

But Leonsis is right, there are new rules in place. Let's take a look at what they are:

- Intermission has been increased from 17 to 18 minutes and on-ice activities during it have been reduced from five minutes to four. This allows 14 minutes for ice resurfacing.

- No on-ice activities for two hours before pregame warm-ups.

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