PITTSBURGH -- Throwing an octopus on the ice during home playoff games is tradition in Detroit, and you can bet Red Wings fans are gearing up for the upcoming Stanley Cup series against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The throwing of the octopus dates back to 1952 when the owner of a Detroit fish market threw one on the ice to symbolize the eight wins it then took to win the Stanley Cup.

Video: Check out the Octopus Slinging Video

"It doesn't really mean much," said Pens defenseman Rob Scuderi. "It's kind of a cool tradition in the history of the NHL and Detroit being one of the original six teams, so it's a history thing, but I don't think much about it."

At Wholey's Fish Market in Pittsburgh's Strip District, a 2-pound pack of baby octopus goes for $7.98.

But Wholey's is trying to start a new tradition. They're selling their "anti-Detroit" octopus as a curse breaker, and they're considering a ban on selling the creatures to fans in town from Michigan.

Octopus throwing has spawned other interesting attempts at tradition in other buildings.

"In Nashville for a few years, they started throwing catfish on the ice, so that was kind of a funny thing they had down there," said Pens forward Adam Hall.

"I remember in Florida they used to throw the (plastic) rats and stuff like that, so I think after that, they kind of buckled down on stuff like that a bit," said Pens captain Sidney Crosby.

Throwing anything on the ice at any arena is against the law, which is why Red Wings fans follow certain etiquette when throwing the octopuses.

The octopus must be boiled for 20 minutes, which cuts down on the smell and makes it easier to smuggle in. The most appropriate time to throw one is after the National Anthem, and it is never acceptable to throw one at an opposing player.

So, overall, how do the Pens feel about heading into slimy Detroit to face the Red Wings on Saturday in Game 1 of the series?

"I really don't care about the octopus. I just want to win the games," said Pens forward Maxime Talbot.

---

Related Links:
More County News Get RSS Headlines | Free Desktop Alert

---