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Why Detroit Red Wings are still crediting Detroit Lions for their own playoff push

The Detroit Red Wings can't get enough of the Detroit Lions.

Pro Bowl defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson have been at the two most recent games, and there's a standing invitation for Lions head coach Dan Campbell to drop in at Little Caesars Arena.

Hutchinson was at LCA on Tuesday to sound the goal horn ahead of the tilt against the Washington Capitals, which ended with an 8-3 victory for the Wings. Last Saturday, Johnson was on hand to sound the goal horn and then watched the Wings demolish the St. Louis Blues, 6-1.

Wings coach Derek Lalonde credited the Lions for helping the Wings win three games "during their playoff run," he said. "The offensive coordinator got us one the other day. Hutch had his 'A' game today, he had a little energy going.

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"You're talking 10 points."

Red Wings left wing J.T. Compher celebrates his goal against the Capitals with defenseman Jake Walman, left, and center Andrew Copp (18) in the second period on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, at Little Caesars Arena.
Red Wings left wing J.T. Compher celebrates his goal against the Capitals with defenseman Jake Walman, left, and center Andrew Copp (18) in the second period on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, at Little Caesars Arena.

The "Ja-red Goff" chants that permeated the arena during the Lions playoff run are still going strong at LCA. They were heard Saturday, and again Tuesday during the third period.

"If we can hold out on the Goff signing, and we can get some more Goff chants going, we might parlay this into getting above that [playoff] line."

Lalonde has spoken multiple times of wanting Lions head coach Dan Campbell — currently busy at the NFL combine — to come speak to the Wings.

"I got the bat signal out," Lalonde said. "I know he's in the combine right now, but obviously I would love him to come and address the boys.

"I know how intense and how busy they are right now, they are 16-, 18-hour days, but yeah, I've got the bat signal out. Hopefully we can get him in to speak to the boys."

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Red Wings relishing Detroit Lions personnel at home games