KENNEWICK -- Maybe a good dose of the Spokane Chiefs is what the Tri-City Americans need after their poor showing against Victoria on Tuesday.

"We talked about a 60-minute effort, and we seem to be coming out with 30 or 20, and that's not good enough," said Tri-City veteran forward Adam Hughesman, who leads the team in scoring with 24 points. "This game will be a measuring stick for us. The early part of the year is getting over with. We need to see what we are made of this weekend."

The Americans (10-5-0-0, 20 points) are 1-1 against the Chiefs (8-2-0-1) this season, with each team winning at home.

Spokane is riding a seven-game win streak after beating Victoria on Wednesday.

"They are one of the top teams again," Americans coach Jim Hiller said of the Chiefs. "I think both teams bring out the best in each other, and that's why the games are so exciting and passionate. It's always a great challenge and (today) should be a great night at Toyota Center."

Hiller said he watched the Spokane-Victoria game and knows tonight will not be an easy task for his team.

"They are one of those teams who have a fair amount of depth," Hiller said. "They have six good defensemen, four lines that can contribute and good goaltending. They are well balanced."

More than the Americans can say about their offense lately, which has been inconsistent and a bit anemic, with six goals in the last three games.

"Nobody is happy when it's not going well," Hiller said. "We haven't generated enough offense this year. We have juggled the lines a little more than we would have liked. It's starting to take shape, but we are going to have to stay a little more consistent."