As the Lions play in the NFC Championship, the Red Wings are relishing Detroit's outpouring of support
Throughout the last week of Detroit Red Wings home games, the city of Detroit's enthusiasm for the surging Detroit Lions, poised to play in their first NFC Championship Game since 1992 on Sunday afternoon.
Chants of "Jared Goff!" and "Let's Go Lions" have permeated Little Caesars Arena, and the usual red and white of LCA's denizens has been supplemented by Honolulu Blue.
It's something the Red Wings themselves have been unable and unwilling to ignore.
“It’s inspiring for us to see how much the city gets behind its sports teams when they’ve earned it, and that’s what the Lions have done,” said captain, Waterford native, and lifelong Lion fan Dylan Larkin after last night's win over the Vegas Golden Knights.
Meanwhile, Derek Lalonde's press conference after yesterday's morning skate quickly devolved into a Lions-only discussion, with the Red Wing head coach noting that he'll be sporting his Aidan Hutchinson jersey to watch the game this afternoon.
"We have a lot of Michigan natives that are sincere Lions fans since they were kids," Lalonde said. "I was walking through the other day when they were on before [our] game [last Sunday], and the Lions converted a third down, and Alex DeBrincat [from Farmington Hills] pumps his fist...It's just different because we have such a Michigan feel here. Those guys are true fans."
"There's no doubt our recent play and success has brought some energy to this building," Lalonde added after last night's win. "You saw a little bit of it last year when we had some of these pushes, but I think with where the Lions are at, it's a different energy. This is a wow energy. This is really cool. This is fun. I think the group and myself will enjoy watching the game."
According to Larkin, the Red Wings will be gathering at Justin Holl's place this afternoon to root on the Lions with the rest of Detroit as they attempt to secure passage to the first Super Bowl in franchise history.
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