Holland with three points as Americans take 3-2 series lead

KENNEWICK, Wash. - Patrick Holland scored once and set up two more as the Tri-City Americans defeated the visiting Spokane Chiefs 5-3 on Saturday in Western Hockey League playoff action.

Mitch Topping, Connor Rankin and Adam Hughesman each had a goal and an assist for the Americans, who improved their home-ice record in the playoffs to 4-1, while Justin Hamonic scored a single goal.

"Holly (Holland) was great," said Tri-City head coach Jim Hiller. "He hadn’t had a good start to this series. He is key player for us and he was great. That elevated our whole team.”

Brendan Shinnimin chipped in with two assists.

Steven Kuhn had a goal and an assist for the Chiefs and Reid Gow and Dominik Uher each scored once.

“We’ve got to regroup,” Spokane coach Don Nachbaur said. “Our backs are against the wall. Any time your back is against the wall you’re going to find out what type of character you have.”

Ty Rimmer made 21 saves for the win as Eric Williams stopped 28 of 32 shots in defeat.

Tri-City went 1 for 2 on the power play while Spokane failed to score on either of their chances with the man advantage.

The Americans now lead the Western Conference second-round series 3-2 with Game 6 scheduled for Monday at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena.