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Red Wings Give Hard-Luck Detroit Reason to Cheer

By Drew Nelles,  Newser Staff

Posted May 31, 2009 4:08 PM CDT

(Newser) – As Detroit reels from the automotive crisis, a much-needed emotional uplift is coming from a dependable source: the Red Wings, currently in the Stanley Cup finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins. We “are one of the good stories that are coming out of Detroit right now,” a Red Wings VP tells the New York Times. “It’s definitely something people can rally around.”

The recession and auto industry woes have made Red Wings tickets too pricey for many downtrodden fans, even with discounts and promotions. But a healthy Penguins contingent helped fill seats at last night's game, a 3-1 Detroit victory that stirred up $3 million in business. With GM filing for bankruptcy tomorrow, and the city expecting to lose millions in tax dollars, every game counts.

Detroit Red Wings fans wave towels as the Red Wings play the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 1 of the NHL Stanley Cup finals hockey series in Detroit, Saturday, May 30, 2009.
Detroit Red Wings fans wave towels as the Red Wings play the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 1 of the NHL Stanley Cup finals hockey series in Detroit, Saturday, May 30, 2009.   (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Greg Rizzo, 9, holds a stuffed penguin as he waits outside Joe Louis Arena.
Greg Rizzo, 9, holds a stuffed penguin as he waits outside Joe Louis Arena.   (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
A Detroit Red Wings fan drives a decorated car past Joe Louis Arena before the start of Game 1 of the NHL Stanley Cup finals hockey series between the Red Wings and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
A Detroit Red Wings fan drives a decorated car past Joe Louis Arena before the start of Game 1 of the NHL Stanley Cup finals hockey series between the Red Wings and the Pittsburgh Penguins.   (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
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A lot of those people aren’t going to be able to be at this game. They obviously can’t afford to come, but they’ll be at home watching TV, and we’ll do our part. - Red Wings coach Mike Babcock

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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
NewserHound
Jun 1, 2009 2:49 AM CDT
GO WINGS!!

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