PREVIEW: Red Wings host Rangers Thursday on Military Appreciation Night

DETROIT -- The bravery of
local veterans and active duty service men and women will be celebrated
on Thursday night when the Detroit Red Wings host the New York Rangers for Military Appreciation Night, presented by Kroger, at Little Caesars Arena.

Puck drop between the Red Wings (7-3-3;17 points) and Rangers (6-5-3; 15 points) is set for 7 p.m., with broadcast coverage on Bally Sports Detroit and the Red Wings Radio Network (97.1 The Ticket in Detroit).
During pregame warmups, Detroit will wear camouflage jerseys and use camouflage-taped sticks, which will be auctioned off
online](https://auctions.nhl.com/iSynApp/allAuction.action?sid=1100803&rc=20&pgmode1=teamsearch&pgcust1=redWings&pgcust2=&pgcust3=panname_teamName_s&qt[0].type=fieldmatch&qt[0].name=panname_teamName_s&qt[0
from Nov. 10-17, with proceeds benefitting the Motor City Veterans Hockey Association (MCVHA). Fans will also have an opportunity to complete an "I SALUTE" card, participate in a photo opportunity and are encouraged to salute veterans that have personally affected the lives of them or their families.
When reflecting on Tuesday's 3-2 shootout loss to the Montreal Canadiens, head coach Derek Lalonde said he was pleased with his players' commitment.
"I was very happy to get the point," Lalonde said. "They're a really tough team to trail. We didn't have legs in the third (period), but we still found a way to hang in there. I think the will is good and it's got us through the injuries and some results early on."

But reinforcements are on their way for the Red Wings, the first being Oskar Sundqvist, who is expected to return to the lineup after missing the past seven games with an upper-body injury.
"The last couple of games have been really fun to watch," said Sundqvist, who has one goal and four assists in six games this season. "You see guys getting called up and getting back into the lineup, so it feels like you're not really missing anything."
The Rangers dropped their third consecutive game on Tuesday, falling,4-3 to the New York Islanders.
The Original Six rivals will be squaring off for the second time in five days. On Sunday, the Red Wings edged the Rangers, 3-2, in overtime at Madison Square Garden.

Red Wings recall Berggren and Smith from Grand Rapids; Soderblom considered day-to-day

On Thursday, Detroit recalled Jonatan Berggren and Givani Smith from the American Hockey League's Grand Rapids Griffins.
After Thursday's morning skate, Lalonde confirmed that Berggren will make his NHL debut against the Rangers.
"There's always something special about that energy of a first NHL game," Lalonde said. "I think our guys are very excited for him."

Berggren has seven points (4-3-7) in seven games with the Griffins this season. The 22-year-old forward made his North American professional debut with Grand Rapids in 2021-22, setting franchise records for a rookie in assists (43), points (64) game-winning goals (seven) and overtime goals (three) in 70 games.
"He's a skilled player and makes plays," Lalonde said. "Part of his development, there's some things we're gonna ask of him. We're gonna be realistic with our expectations tonight."
Lalonde added that said Elmer Soderblom (undisclosed) is considered day-to-day and will not be available for Thursday's game.