Examiner.com: Ams lose second straight on road
By Rene Ferran | Examiner.com
Tri-City Americans coach Jim Hiller talked before Tuesday’s game of how his team was not road-tested yet.
For proof, Hiller need point only to Tuesday night’s 5-2 loss to Prince Albert to open the Americans’ six-game East Division swing.
The Americans scored a pair of power-play goals in the second period to build a 2-0 lead, then watched the Raiders score five unanswered goals — including three during a five-minute stretch late in the second that swung the momentum in the home team’s favor.
Hiller couldn’t single out any one turning point in the game.
“They simply outworked us,” he said. “We have too many guys who are thinking we had a good season last year, and that’s going to happen again this year. It’s not going to work that way. We’ve got to do the dirty work.
“This league is tough on the road, and we’re not in the mindset now that we’re willing to be tough. These are the results we’re going to get if we’re not willing to play tough.”
The Americans dropped their second straight road game after starting the year 4-0. This was the first game in which they failed to earn any points.
“It’s disappointing, and things have to change,” Hiller said. “Not enough people are willing to pay the price right now.”
Tri-City will quickly get the opportunity to right the ship Wednesday night when the Americans take on Saskatoon. The Ams are 1-13 all-time in Saskatoon with two ties — their only win on the Blades’ home ice came in 1996.
“I think that’s a good thing,” Hiller said. “We have a lot of games in a short period of time. I’m glad we’re getting back at it again tomorrow night.”
Brock Sutherland scored his first goal of the season and fourth of his career to open the scoring for the Americans. Brendan Shinnimin scored Tri-City’s other goal.
