Why in nhl do fans throw octopus or squid on the ice?

Detroit Red Wings fans throw an octopus on the ice during the playoffs due to a tradition originating in the "Original Six" Era. At the time, with only four teams qualifying for the playoffs, it took eight wins (Two best-of-seven series) to win the Stanley Cup. The eight arms of the octopus represent those eight wins.

(Originally answered by Garpinator as well. Somehow something went wrong with the "Keep me logged in" feature.)