Arizona Coyotes: Blackhawks connection gives added incentive to tonight’s game
The Arizona Coyotes face the Chicago Blackhawks tonight and the connection some of their players have will add extra incentive for a positive performance.
The Coyotes were involved with a salary-dump trade with the Chicago Blackhawks earlier this year, with Marian Hossa’s contract being sent to the desert along with a handful of players in return for another handful of players.
At the time, it wasn’t expected that the trade would have a significant impact for either team, with the Blackhawks just offloading a contract they couldn’t afford to keep on their books.
However, the Coyotes appear to have two roster players that will contribute to the team’s success this season and possibly in the near future in Vinnie Hinostroza and Jordan Oesterle.
Oesterle, a 26-year-old left-handed defenceman, played 55 games for the Blackhawks last season – the highest season total of his career.
This season, he has been used sparingly, but he has performed well when given an opportunity.
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In just two games, Oesterle has one assist and has a stellar Corsi rating of 57.4% while having a sheltered role on the bottom end, starting in the offensive zone 55% of the time so far.
He has also blocked three shots and has thrown three hits in the two games he has played for his new team this season.
If Oesterle plays against Chicago tonight, it will be important for him to impress and show the Arizona Coyotes that they were right to take him on in the trade.
Hinostroza, meanwhile, has looked great in a defensive forward role.
In five games this season, Hinostroza has a 54% Corsi rating while starting in the offensive zone just 42.1% of the time.
He has blocked three shots, thrown two hits and also has an impressive four takeaways, all of this coming despite the Coyotes slipping to a 1-4-0 record.
With both players facing the Blackhawks for the first time since leaving, it will be a special moment and an opportunity to impress for Hinostroza and Oesterle.
With Corey Crawford returning from injury, the Arizona Coyotes will need to find creative ways to add to their disappointing early season goalscoring record.
Next. Goals will come with persistence. dark
What do you think Coyotes fans? Will the team finally step up in front of goal? Will Hinostroza or Oesterle play an important part in tonight’s game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!