Your quirky playoff rituals?

[Guest GordieSid&Ted]

What do you feel you must do for each Wings playoff game? What are those things that you know are completely irrational and have no bearing on the game whatsoever but yet you do them thinking they'll have some impact?

I'll start

A few years ago my wife got me a Wings jersey with our last name on it and my lucky number 22.

My ritual consists of getting my jersey on and my ass parked in front of the TV prior to the drop of the puck. If this does not happen, if I am pulling the sweater over my head and i'm in the other room a split second after the puck is dropped, I feel sick and get pissed off like I just screwed everything up.

Also, if for some act of God I have to walk away from the tv or tivo some portion of it I feel like we're going to lose. Probably because that has happened numerous times to me in the past. We'll be tied and i'll have to put my kids to bed or something and I'll come back and we're down a goal. Pisses me right off.

Oh, and the jersey comes off right after the game and gets hung up in my man room until the next game. Prior to the start of the playoffs and when they are over for the Wings the jersey goes into my bedroom closet and doesn't see the light of day until the next playoffs.

I'm curious to hear what lengths people go to.

[RedLightGoesOn 81]

Before this year I used to wear my Hat for about 24 hours (even when I sleep) before a game. Also I played 2K Sport's NHL as the Wings versus our opponents and win (of course I do). I do this as a sign of good luck for the Wings.... And yes I take my hat of when I shower.. This year I got Z's jersey for Christmas, so Im still thinking what to do with it.

[Ozzie30 170]

The day before playoffs I take my beard down to the skin so I can grow a "fresh" one for the playoffs. Last couple of years I'll either spend the several hours before work and the game on the internet or watching a game from the 01-02 playoffs. Once the game starts, I must sit in the same seat I've sat in every year. When the Wings are on a penalty kill or powerplay, I must leave the room and not listen. (same ritual applied to Tigers playing defense in their Yankees series).

[DaKineMaui 8]

The day before playoffs I take my beard down to the skin so I can grow a "fresh" one for the playoffs.

I'm gonna do that one this year too. I'll shave before game 1 on Thursday and we'll see what happens.

Also, in the past, if the Wings were down and things were looking pretty bleak - I'd THEN go to the closet and throw on 'The Sweater'.

It doesn't work everytime, but somehow works enough to keep doing it y'know? I just couldn't bare being the reason for a loss.

aloha

[mtuhockey7 23]

I also grow the playoff beard starting the day of the playoffs, damn those things get itchy even after just a couple games! I also make a big chart with the Wings logo and 16 boxes and check them off with the countdown to the Cup and put it on my office door at work. The last thing I do is take one of those big water cooler jugs, cover it in tinfoil, put a bowl on top, cover that in tinfoil and ala you have a Cup which stays on my porch for about a week afterwards.

[russianswede919293 95]

I shaved today, I always shave the day after the regular season ends, and then grow it out. 2 years ago I pre-game bearded, and it was a first round out, last year I had to shave for a wedding and it was a 3rd round out.. this year fresh beard + no shave will do the magic.

[rick zombo 3,739]

Normally my ritual consists of me and my brother going to my folks place to watch the game with Dad. But thanks to TSN, Center Ice, etc. that won't be happening for most of the Nashville series.

[vladdy16 2,154]

Playoff pom poms from all the playoff games I attended go up on top of the entertainment center. Picture of me with Stanley Cup taken in 97 before they won goes on top of the TV. I pick one Wings shirt to start the playoffs and wear it until they lose - then I pick another shirt. The losing shirt does not get worn again until the following season. We do red jello shots for every Wings goal. I too have to leave the room when the Wings are on the PK. I am allowed to stay during PPs. I am forbidden to tape any game. They lose every single time I do.

[Learn2LuvIt 252]

Mine:

-I watch the pre-game with the TV volume on mute, while listening to punk-thrash (usually Suicidal Tendancies or Minor Threat)--this is important to the seriousness of my ritual, cause I haven't listened to this type of music on a daily basis in over ten years.

-First Wings player that I spot on the ice, either in pre-game, or getting ready for the opening face-off will be the player that I choose to root extra hard for.

-I always have a cold, un-opened beer on my bar in my man room. Beer cannot be opened until after the puck drops.

-I stand/squat the entire game (except for intermissions), while always having my Easton hockey stick in my hands.

-Attire: always wear my tattered Wings hat from 1997 season...never any other Wings attire...just the hat.

-During the PK, always in squat position...eyes glued to the TV.

-I never let a beginner to the sport of hockey watch a playoff game with me (I did this in the past, and I come off as very rude and short with these guests...they've been playing for the past seven months and now you want to come over and "get into" hockey...pleeeassse).

-I never leave the room during play regardless of score or situation (My beautiful wife is always gracious enough to grab me a drink/food during play of I can't wait).

[wingsfan75 2]

Playoff pom poms from all the playoff games I attended go up on top of the entertainment center. Picture of me with Stanley Cup taken in 97 before they won goes on top of the TV. I pick one Wings shirt to start the playoffs and wear it until they lose - then I pick another shirt. The losing shirt does not get worn again until the following season. We do red jello shots for every Wings goal. I too have to leave the room when the Wings are on the PK. I am allowed to stay during PPs. I am forbidden to tape any game. They lose every single time I do.

I'm ROFL!!!!! The whole forbidden part just cracks me up!

I have my rituals too but they didn't work out last season or any season since 2002 so I just don't know anymore. I have one of those red lights and I do a little victory dance after each goal. It's not pretty but it usually gets a laugh or two out of the family.

[DaKineMaui 8]

-I never let a beginner to the sport of hockey watch a playoff game with me (I did this in the past, and I come off as very rude and short with these guests...they've been playing for the past seven months and now you want to come over and "get into" hockey...pleeeassse).

.......and the incessant talking. And questions, and talking and talking.........There are two(2) intermissions during each regulation NHL contest. Save it.

aloha

[DyingAlive 27]

Nothing too serious.

Wear the same Red Wings shirt every game. It's starting to get beat up from last year, might need a new one for next season. The shirt goes unwashed until a loss. After a loss the shirt gets washed. The whole washing ritual can get loose. But the shirt needs to be on.

Last year, I had a baseball game on a Saturday at the same time as a game. So I wore the shirt underneath my game jersey.

[wingslogo19 281]

Great thread Gordie

I wear my lucky wings tshirt had it since i was 14 iam now 22

my Stevie Y 02 cup jersey i wear

i have to stand up during the national anthem

and my lucky white hat

[Lovin Jiri Fischer 147]

My family is hardcore Italian, so ever since I was a kid, we would eat spaghetti BEFORE the game! Every noodle had to be finished before the game started. (The white noodles and red sauce symbolize the Wings colors.)

Also, I go out and get a new bucket of sidewalk chalk before every game (only one dollar) and pimp out my driveway so everyone passing by knows that this house is a Red Wings house. I write stuff like "GO WINGS!" or "This is Hockeytown" which is usually accompanied by a picture of the other team's mascot either golfing or bleeding or with its head chopped off. One time last year I was doing my pre-game chalk ritual and a lady walking her dog came up to me and said "I've been watching you for a couple weeks and I wanted to tell you that I really enjoy your work. I always look forward to seeing it before every game."

[Guest Jeremy88]

wow...

I just watch the game.

[redwingslady87 130]

This is going to be the first year, where i'm not always gonna be able to do my normal rituals, so I'm gonna have a new one for work.

Work Nights: Black Goalie t-shirt under scrubs, of course the new tradition of the red and white bracelets, and catching most of the game as possible.

Nights at home: Zetterberg jersey on, hair back in a ponytail with a red band in, new tradition of the red and white bracelets, and I have to be sitting in the chair closest to the tv on the right. (Also closest to my parent's room, waking my mom up when I scream... Sorry mom.)

IF they make it to the finals, and are at a game point where they could win the stanley cup, I bake.

97- cake with AL the octopus on it.

98- Brownies with chocolate frosting and purple sprinkles

02- cupcakes with red frosting and white sprinkles.

[DaKineMaui 8]

I wanted to try a new "quirky ritual" for this playoff run.

Everytime the Red Wings score a goal, me and the wife have sex.

We compromised on everytime she scores a goal.

I Ebay'd her some skates and am awaiting Holland's call. You hear me Kenny?

[HockeyCrazy3033 168]

Ahh where to start!

*Have to sit at the same spot/couch for every game

*Must wear my Wings shirt for every game (I always get a new one at Hockeytown Authentics the week of the playoffs)

*Wear my red and white necklaces beads and Wings charm necklace

*Wear one of my Wings hats *Ozzie, Huds, Hank, or Kronner*

*Paint my nails red and white

*Light one red and one white candle before each game starts

*Have some coffee during the game

*Can't eat, get up, or anything until intermission

[mooose kiiisses 0]

i always wear a red wings shirt on game day, red wings hat, my red wings necklace, tigers bracelet, this year it will be accompanied by red and white embrodery floss and my Yzerman jersey during the game.

also, if i'm drinking anything during games i have to drink it with a red and white straw. (i started that at the beginning of this season)

and i can't forget my rally towel from last year's playoffs. [i didn't go to a game, my dad got tickets and took his brother instead of me!!! i didn't speak to him for weeks lol]

[Chuk 0]

I get the Stevie Y jersey out and lay it out on my lazy boy, but dont put it on until the puck is just ready to be dropped.

[VM1138 1,921]

No matter how long I will be able to watch the game that day (if at all), I have to wear a Wings jersey (Either the '92 one, Chelios Home or Zetterberg Away) at SOME poitn in the day, even if only for 5 minutes. And when I have to take it off I always have to lay the jersey out with the name and number facing UP and nothing covering it. Talk about some weird OCD.

Before the start of the playoffs I shave and grow out what little facial hair I can, heh.

Before the start of the playoffs I re-read the Sports Illustrated 2002 Championship magazine. I have other weird smaller quirks, too.

[CupChamps979802 35]

I am forbidden to tape any game. They lose every single time I do.

lol its the same exact thing with me.

Other than that I am extra nice to everyone on gamedays so the Red Wings have good karma. If the Wings win I try to do EVERYTHING the same exact way on the next gameday, If they lose I always find some fault with my routine and correct it for the next game. If they lose a few in a row I completely change everything.

[Majsheppard 203]

When ever I drink Red Gatoraid they lose, so I don't do that anymore.

[IceMunkee 15]

Man I have so many. Or my crew has a ton I guess.

I invite everyone possible over to the house and we get angry when people are not paying attention to the game. I have a vodka and red bull drink mixed in my 101st Glass mug. I have to have red and white straws, If i can find them. Last year the straws were orangeish though.

I have a wing nut that is in close proximity if not on. It is covered in duck tape from some of the frustration of tossing it or the recreation of the miracle of life. It is torn up pretty bad. Jersey is a most. Last year it was my Bertuzzi jersey which has sense been banned from any ritual. I am going to stick with trusty 19...

I have an air horn that has to be sounded upon scoring and winning the game. I decorate a bit too.

Can't think of anymore right now but booster313 may have a few i forgot.

[Earthhuman 8]

Yzerman jersey every game.

I also do the nice thing so that Wings have good karma. XD