Can someone explain to me why exactly Detroit fans throw squid on the ice during playoff goals?
Actually, they are octopi and they represent the eight games you (used to) have to win to win the Stanley Cup. Now with more teams, there are more playoff games so you need more than 8 wins. They apparently can’t find any 24 (or whatever) leg octopi.
If the NHL keeps expanding, they will have to start throwing centipedes on the ice.
A little more of the history of octopus throwing. Another article. Both support what jk1245 said, only with some details thrown in.
Back at my old alma mater (UNH - Go Wildcats), a fish was always thrown on the ice after the first UNH goal during home games. If we were being shut-out, the third-period cheer “The fish is starting to stink” could be heard.
Must be something about hockey and seafood. I blame the Canadians (in general, not les Habitants in specific).