Monday, after the Red Wings practiced at Joe Louis Arena, coach Mike Babcock told the news media how exciting the rest of his day was going to be. He had plans to watch the Detroit Tigers in Game 2 of the ALCS before heading to Ford Field with his son to catch the undefeated Detroit Lions take center stage on Monday Night Football.

Following Tuesday afternoon’s practice, Babcock was still gushing over the experience. But not for the reasons one would expect.

“I got to meet Bob Seger last night,” said Babcock with a beaming smile. “I went to the game, got to meet Bob Seger. I met lots of guys, but Bob Seger … My buddy and I when we were 17, went all the way to Ottawa from Saskatoon, hitch-hiked and bused and did everything to see his concert and I finally met him 31 years later.”

The 66-year-old Seger and the Silver Bullet Band begins a 17 city tour through the U.S. – and oddly enough, a stop in Ottawa – next month with the opening show Nov. 2 on the Eastern Michigan University campus in Ypsilanti.

The excitement for what is happen right now in Detroit with the Tigers in the postseason, and the Lions doing what they’re doing to the NFL competition, the atmosphere in downtown Detroit Monday was at an all-time new level.

“It's really exciting,” Babcock said. “It's exciting to see the Lions do so well and see what they're building. And it's exciting to see the Tigers, it's great for our town.”

The streets leading from the bars and restaurants, including the establishment owned by former Wings defenseman Chris Chelios were electric, Babcock said.

“Went to Cheli's place the other night when the Tigers were playing,” he said. “Last night, downtown, walking from the ballpark to Ford Field and seeing the excitement of the people and the noise, it was unbelievable. I think it's great for Michigan and good for the whole town.”