‘It’s just been really cool to watch’: Red Wings inspired by Detroit Lions’ playoff run

DETROIT -- Growing up a Buffalo Bills fan in Brasher Falls, N.Y., Derek Lalonde didn’t watch a lot of Detroit Lions football before being hired as the Detroit Red Wings’ head coach in June 2022.

But now immersed into the Detroit community, Lalonde said the Bills and Lions are his two favorite NFL teams. And on Sunday night, when the Lions play the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium in the NFC Championship Game, Lalonde said he will be glued to the television.

“I think what’s been most impressive about this is how authentic and real the group is,” Lalonde said about the Lions. “The energy of it, how can you not like the group? The passion, the swagger. It’s just been really cool to watch. Obviously, myself, the guys, my family, we can’t wait to watch (Sunday).”

Lalonde said even Red Wings fans are excited for the Lions.

“There’s no doubt our recent play and success has brought some energy to this building,” Lalonde said. “You saw it a little bit 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 like a wow energy.”

According to Lalonde, some of the most dedicated Lions fans he knows are in the Red Wings’ dressing room. Lalonde said his players were very excited on Jan. 21, when the Lions beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Divisional Round Game.

“We have a lot of Michigan natives who have been Lions fans since they were kids,” Lalonde said. “I laugh. I was walking through the other day when they were on, and this was pregame, and the Lions converted a third down and Alex DeBrincat pumped his fist.”

Before the end of this NHL season, Lalonde said he hopes Lions head coach Dan Campbell can speak to the Red Wings.

“He was actually going to come over last year but got in the midst of the draft and some things, so obviously his time is valuable,” Lalonde said about Campbell. “We’d love to have him over. I think it’d be a very cool message because of how authentic and passionate he is.”

Lalonde said he met Campbell in person for the first time this summer at the Lions’ 2023 Training Camp.

“I got invited over to watch camp, which was an awesome experience,” Lalonde said. “Appreciated it. You talk about authentic; he gave me and my boys 5-10 minutes to chat. That’s an authentic guy. Before meeting him, I’ve stated here that I’m a pretty big fan.”

When asked who his favorite Lions player is, Lalonde said he likes defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.

“I have a (Hutchinson) jersey,” Lalonde said. “Meeting him, he actually came over and gave me the bro hug. He gave my boys some time, so I appreciated that.”

If the Lions take care of business against the 49ers, Detroit will advance to its first-ever Super Bowl. Super Bowl LVIII is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 11 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin said the excitement surrounding the Lions’ current playoff run is cool to experience.

“Couldn’t be happier for Jared (Goff), Aidan, a lot of guys who have been there through the tough times,” Larkin said. “It’s inspiring for us to see how much a city gets behind its sports teams when they’ve earned it. That’s what the Lions have done.”