Detroit throws octopuses on the ice as a tradition known as the "Octopus Tradition." This tradition dates back to 1952 when the Detroit Red Wings fans threw an octopus onto the ice during a playoff game. The octopus has eight legs, symbolizing the eight wins needed to win the Stanley Cup at the time. Since then, fans have continued this tradition, throwing octopuses onto the ice during Red Wings' playoff games as a symbol of good luck. The NHL has embraced this tradition, although they now require that the octopuses be thrown before the game or during intermissions to avoid disrupting the game. It has become a unique and celebrated tradition associated with Detroit's passionate ice hockey fans.