Hockey

Emmitt Finnie Ends Scoring Drought in Red Wings’ Win Over Predators

by
William Caldwell
March 3, 2026

In a triumphant moment for Detroit Red Wings forward Emmitt Finnie, the long-awaited goal finally materialized in Music City. After 23 games without finding the back of the net, Finnie scored his first goal since December 23, helping propel the Red Wings to a 4-2 victory against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena.

This win was crucial for Detroit, allowing them to leapfrog the Montreal Canadiens for third place in the Atlantic Division. Both teams now share the same number of points, but the Buffalo Sabres hold the tiebreaker and have a game in hand.

For Finnie, one of three rookies who made the roster out of training camp, the moment was both exhilarating and a relief. He credited his teammates Marco Kasper and Mason Appleton for their roles in the play that led to his goal. “Yeah, it felt good, good play by Marco getting it to Apps, then Apps with a great play to Marco in front,” Finnie reflected. “I was just fortunate to be there in the right spot to put it in.”

Addressing the pressure of his goalless streak, Finnie said, “Obviously, you think about it in the back of your mind. I wasn’t trying to focus on it too much; I want to score and produce. It was good to get that one in, but I’m going to try and keep playing my game.”

The Red Wings were looking to bounce back after a disappointing 5-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes earlier in the week, which had placed them back in a Wild Card position in the competitive Atlantic Division standings. Prior to the game, the team acknowledged the importance of securing two points, and they delivered with a strong performance.

“I thought we played well right from the start,” Finnie noted. “You know, coming into this, we knew it was like a must-win for us, so I thought we responded pretty well.” Finnie, alongside defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka, is one of only two rookies who have remained with the Red Wings throughout the season.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

William Caldwell

William Caldwell is a veteran journalist whose career has spanned the highs and lows of the sports world. With a focus on baseball and hockey, William’s articles are known for their depth and historical perspective, making him a favorite among fans who appreciate the rich traditions of sports. Outside the press box, William is an amateur historian with a particular interest in sports memorabilia.