Why Vinnie Hinostroza Over Carter Could Be Penguins’ 4th Line Fix

The Penguins are shaking things up in an attempt to shake off their sluggish 3-6-0 onset this season. As The Hockey News reports, it’s likely that Vinnie Hinostroza will be swooping into Jeff Carter’s spot on the Pens’ 4th line.

This pivot, aimed at reviving a bottom six that’s been dragging them down, reflects the team’s drive to rekindle the spark in their line-up as they skate forward.

In the face of Carter’s goal column, barren as a desert, the Penguins are rolling the dice with Hinostroza. Though his stats sheet isn’t exactly bursting at the seams, it’s his speed that sets him apart. Hinostroza, who’s been warming the bench as a healthy scratch, now finds himself in the rink’s limelight.

This maneuver by the Pens is a blend of desperation and hope—a dart thrown in the dark, banking on Hinostroza’s agility to stir the stagnant waters. While on paper, it might raise eyebrows, it’s the unforeseen spark that often reignites the fire.

Hinostroza’s shift into the 2nd power play unit, replacing Carter, echoes the same reason he’s being tested on the 4th line—injecting speed into the mix. The power play units have been struggling so far this season, a scenario I had hoped would take a turn for the better. They’re currently ranked 21st in the league with a 14.8 PP%, according to Yahoo Sports. It’s a wait-and-see game to measure the extent of improvement Hinostroza will bring to this unit with his addition.

Here’s to hoping Hinostroza’s transition from a reserve to a regular on the Pens’ 4th line sparks the necessary change to elevate their game in their 3-game Cali trip starting tomorrow.

What’s Next for the Pens?

The Pittsburgh Penguins are gearing up for a pivotal showdown against the San Jose Sharks on November 4th, 2023, at 10:00 PM. With the Penguins holding a record of 3-6-0, they’re looking to their stars like Evgeni Malkin, who’s leading the team with 11 points, and Jake Guentzel, with his team-high 7 assists, to turn the tide.

The Sharks, meanwhile, are in the throes of a tough season start and will be fighting hard to notch a much-needed win on home ice. As the Penguins aim to climb up from the bottom of the Metropolitan Division, this game could be a critical moment to gain momentum in their season campaign.