Just why do fans of the Detroit Red Wings throw toy octopus on the ice?

Back in the 50's (Last time the wings won the cup, before the last two) this doood that owned a place which sold squid went to a game and throw and one of the buggers on the ice. During this time their were only two rounds of playoffs, each best of seven. So it took 8 wins to win the stanley cup.
8 wins
8 arms, legs, tentacles...whatever
--it's a symbolic thing.

AS to why forty years later the Michiganders started up the act again i do not know, except that it is pretty cool.

Also, those octopi usually aren't toys. And they have slowed down quite a bit because it was interferring with the game play.

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When life gives you a lemon, wing it right back and add some lemos of your own. -Calvin(Bill Watterson)