Preview: Red Wings host Penguins for Fan Appreciation Day

Saturday's matinee includes outdoor and indoor family-friendly activities, jersey and ticket giveaways, alumni appearances and more

DET PIT 4-23 updated
By Jonathan Mills
@JonathanDMillsy DetroitRedWings.com

Year after year, Detroit Red Wings fans show extraordinary support. This season was no different, and the Red Wings will celebrate the best fans in hockey on Saturday, closing out their 2021-22 home schedule against the Pittsburgh Penguins for
Fan Appreciation Day
, presented by Coca-Cola and Meijer, at Little Caesars Arena.

Puck drop is set for 12:30 p.m., with television coverage airing on Bally Sports Detroit Extra and NHL Network. Ken Kal and Paul Woods will have the call on the Red Wings Radio Network.
With family and kid-friendly outdoor and indoor activities, special alumni appearances, jersey and ticket giveaways and much more in store for ticketed guests on Saturday, it will be an exciting environment on and off the ice.
"Our fan support has been incredible," Sam Gagner said. "We've talked about it a lot amongst our group - the energy they give us at home. It's obviously Fan Appreciation Day, so we certainly want to give them something to cheer for."

Meijer Postgame Comments | DET vs. FLA | 4/21/22

Detroit will finish the season above .500 at Little Caesars Arena, sporting an 18-15-7 record at home this season.
"The first half of the year, when we were really good at home, our crowd was outstanding," Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said. "Our crowds have continued to be good, but that makes a huge impact."
The Penguins (44-23-11), who are tied for third in the Eastern Conference's Metropolitan Division and currently in a playoff spot, are coming off a 4-0 win over the Boston Bruins on Thursday.
Jake Guentzel (40-41 - 81) and Sidney Crosby (29-52 - 81) have both crossed the 80-point plateau this season. Netminder Casey DeSmith made 52 saves against the Bruins, improving his record to 9-5-5 in 21 starts.
Saturday's game marks the final contest between Detroit and Pittsburgh this season. The Red Wings beat the Penguins, 3-2, in a shootout on Jan. 28 at PPG Paints Arena, then fell, 11-2, on March 27.

Red Wings assign Pearson to Griffins

On Friday, the Red Wings assigned Chase Pearson to the Grand Rapids Griffins.
Pearson has appeared in three games for Detroit this season, including his NHL debut on March 24 against the New York Islanders.

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