Americans Win 1st of Home and Home

The Americans continued their recent success last night in Portland winning 5-1. 50+ shots came in on Caruth with goals from Shinnimin, Conrad, Humphries and both Messier brothers. Marcus and Jordans goals came 45 seconds apart in the first period.

"We started out really well," said Ams coach Jim Hiller. "We had a lot of pressure on them early. We did what we wanted to do. We got on them early, and things went according to plan tonight." (examiner)


Spencer Humphries tallied his first WHL goal late in the third to drop the dagger in the Winterhawks. Kudos to him, im sure hes stoked.

But it was a player who didn't figure in the scoring whom Hiller credited with getting the Americans on track.
"Kruise (Reddick) was physical early and set the tone for us," Hiller said. "He wasn't on the scoresheet, but he was a real important player for us tonight." (examiner)


Thats how this season is going to be. Kruise isnt a high scoring kind of guy. He's a leader on the team, and thats what he should be focused on. There are plenty of guys who can bury the puck on this team, I dont think he feels pressure to score and thats a good thing.


Great job to the guys going out on the road after a long time off and competing against the best team in the league. they get to rewind and do it all over again tonight at toyota. We won;t be there, we're finally celebrating xmas with my family now that my sister and bro-in law is back from LA. I guess the Winter Classic jersey will have to wait until friday night...Awesome.

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Keys to the Game: 


Momentum: Is on our side right now. dont let one game slip away. that starts again by scoring early and frustrating a portland team that is aft to taking lots of "frustration" type of penalties. you want 4 points in two nights....good job getting half so far. Dont give anything Back.

Feser: one of two that didnt snag a + last night on the scoresheet. Him and Holland posted 0's while everyone else was either +1 or +2. I bet Feser wants some pointage and needs to get his season rolling. Look for a big night from him.

Defense: End of the game got chippy. We've seen what this team does when they get picked on (look at the Vancouver game) Paul Sohor was big about stepping up. Also Yuen sacrificed like a man that night. They'll have to be on their toes to protect their team tonight.