Vinnie Hinostroza dominates at the NHL Heritage Classic

Outdoor NHL games are some of the best events put on in the sports world these days. On Sunday, the Buffalo Sabres took on the Toronto Maple Leafs in Hamilton, Ontario. It was a tremendous game led by Vinnie Hinostroza who is a former Chicago Blackhawks forward.

He is also a native of Bartlett, Illinois so it is so cool to see him have a game like that on the big stage. Whenever local athletes dominate like that on the big stage, it is something to be happy about.

Hinostroza had two goals and an assist in Buffalo’s 5-2 win over the Leafs. Each team was wearing an awesome throwback sweater as they honored the great game of hockey in its natural elements.

When you look at the standings of the NHL’s Atlantic Division, you can see that the Leafs are significantly better than the Sabres so this was a very fun game dominated by the underdog. Auston Matthews had his nightly goal but that was about the extent of Toronto’s offense.

The Blackhawks should have done what they can to keep Vinnie Hinostroza.

The Sabres have had a tough year. Hinostroza’s team is loaded with young talent that is trying to build towards the future. They have the longest playoff drought in the NHL and they just traded their superstar, Jack Eichel.

It will be interesting to see what Hinostroza’s future with that team is. You were able to see on the big stage some of the stuff that he has the ability to do in the NHL. He is a skilled gritty player that has carved out a nice career so far.

The Blackhawks could really use a player like him right now. He had extra motivation playing for his hometown team but they traded him away to get rid of Marian Hossa’s contract. When they got him back, he was good but they didn’t retain him so he went to Buffalo.

He has bet on himself with his current one-year deal with the Sabres and it could pay off for him. By the end of the year, it is fair to assume that he will get another NHL contract in 2022-23 and possibly beyond. As the best active player from Illinois, it is easy to root for him.