Hundreds of fans have signed a banner of support for Red Wings star Daniel Cleary. (CBC)

What's red and white and glad all over? Around the eastern Newfoundland town of Harbour Grace, the hometown of Detroit Red Wings forward Dan Cleary, two contrasting colours drape almost everything in sight.

If the Red Wings prevail in the NHL playoffs, Cleary would become the first Newfoundland player to have his name engraved on the Stanley Cup.

In 19 playoff games this year, the right-winger has two goals and an assist.

"The whole province is behind him," said Tracy Shute, who has toted a massive banner around the region to collect signatures.

"It's our way of saying to Danny how very proud we are of him," Shute said.

Dan Cleary: 'I feel them really willing me on.' (CBC)

It is no effort at all to find Red Wings pride in Harbour Grace, a town of about 3,000 about 100 kilometres west of St. John's.

Fans clad in red gather in droves for rallies and to watch games, and massive signs are posted around the town — including an enormous banner reading "Go! Red Wings Go!" that is draped across the legendary abandoned coastal vessel the Kyle, which is moored in the town's wide harbour.

In his seventh NHL season, Cleary, 29, told CBC News is amazed by the hometown pride.

"I feel their support for me," Cleary said. "I feel them really willing me on."

The Red Wings lost 3-2 to Pittsburgh in Game 3 on Wednesday night, but lead the series 2-1. Cleary played 16 minutes 20 seconds and had two shots on net.

A banner supporting the Red Wings and Daniel Cleary has been draped on the legendary coastal vessel the Kyle. (CBC)

Red and white have become the colours of choice throughout Harbour Grace. At a rally for Wednesday's game, fans dined on "red wings" — chicken wings given an extra splash of colour.

Fans say they cannot get enough of Cleary, who was selected 13th overall by Chicago in the first round of the 1997 NHL entry draft.

"They can have Sid the kid — we have Dan the man," one woman joked earlier this month, at the expense of Penguins star Sidney Crosby — who, by the way, has six goals and 17 assists in 17 games for the playoffs.

Brendan Chafe, who played hockey with Cleary while growing up, said he is thrilled to see his friend playing at the highest level in the sport.

"Every time he got the puck," Chafe told CBC News, "it was electricity, every time he got it. He made good plays, good passes, and above all he skated hard like he's doing in the finals."