KENNEWICK — When you have played a team 15 times, there isn't much you don't already know about them.
Trick is, you must continue to play your own game.
The Tri-City Americans trail the Spokane Chiefs 2-1 in their Western Conference semifinal series but hope to even things out tonight in Game 4 at Toyota Center.
"We have to go through the tape again, but what is this, 18 times with them?" asked Americans coach Jim Hiller. "We know how they play. It's just a matter of executing and being more desperate.
"It's time for us to be extremely desperate."
Tri-City has been in this position before, trailing Vancouver 2-1 in the Western Conference finals last year before pulling out a 4-2 series win.
"We've had a little bit of experience now and know what it takes," Americans forward Mason Wilgosh said. "We have to get the ball rolling again. Come out hard (today) in the first shift, the first period. We have to let them know we aren't going away. We win (today), it's a whole new series."
Though the Chiefs have a one-game lead in the series, it does not give coach Don Nachbaur any comfort.
"We think we have played well the last three games, despite what the score is in the series," Nachbaur said. "Our focus right now is on Game 4. We still have a lot to do, and we know we are playing a good team."
The Americans won the series opener at Spokane Arena, with the Chiefs winning Game 2 at home and Game 3 on Tuesday at Toyota Center.
"I don't believe home-ice advantage in the playoffs has been beneficial to anybody," Nachbaur said. "It hasn't been to us, and you look around the league, the home teams haven't been winning a lot. With that said, we know we are in for a tough battle. This thing is just beginning."
The Americans played Game 2 without veteran defenseman Tyler Schmidt, who was suspended by the WHL for one game for a clipping major and a game misconduct in Game 2. He will be back tonight.
"We will welcome him back with open arms, for sure, but it will take more than him," Hiller said. "We have 19 guys who have to be better."
That starts with the top line of Carter Ashton, Brendan Shinnimin and Adam Hughesman, which has totaled two goals and three assists in the first three games of the series. The trio had no points in Game 3.
"They are pressing. They are trying, but in the playoffs, the chances are far and few between," Hiller said. "You have to stay focused, energized and work hard. That's what they are battling right now."
The one bright spot for the Americans has been goaltender Drew Owsley, who had 37 saves in Game 3.
"I thought it was his best game of the series. He was really good," Hiller said. "He made a number of quality saves, but he had to make too many. He's been great for us for two years, so I'm not surprised."
The Chiefs have been fortunate to avoid injuries in the postseason, and every player who has skated in the playoffs -- with the exception of one -- has contributed points.
"We have to continue what we are doing," Nachbaur said. "We are playing a style of hockey I like and the guys have endeared to most of the year, and has gotten us success here. There are adjustments going on on both sides. What it comes down to is the breaks. We didn't get any breaks in Game 1. They probably will say the same thing about Games 2 and 3. It's intense. Who wins the next battle is what's important."
* Annie Fowler: 509-582-1574; afowler@tricityherald.com
