It was a tough scene for the Minnesota Wild on Friday night, as forward Vinnie Hinostroza was seriously injured in a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Wild head coach John Hynes told reporters postgame that Hinostroza is dealing with a significant injury, and has flown back to Minnesota to be reevaluated. Hynes admitted the speedy forward is going to be out for ‘awhile’.
Hinostroza left the game midway through the second period of action, after taking a hit from Penguins’ physical defenceman Ryan Graves. He was very slow to get to his feet and barely made it back to the Wild’s bench. He’d finish the night seeing 8:08 of ice.
The Wild have been using Hinostroza in a checking role for their bottom six as he brings a lot of energy and tenacity to Minnesota’s forward group. In 22 games of action this season, he’s recorded two goals and three assists for five points.
A bit of a journeyman, Vinnie Hinostroza is in his 11th NHL season, recording 61 goals and 166 points in 433 games, dressing for the Wild, Penguins, Arizona Coyotes, Florida Panthers, Chicago Blackhawks, and Buffalo Sabres.
