KENNEWICK, Wash. - Nicolas Petan and Chase De Leo each had two goals, and Troy Rutkowski added three assists, as the Portland Winterhawks handed the Tri-City Americans a 4-2 loss Sunday night.
Petan and De Leo each scored consecutive goals to open the first and second periods before the Winterhawks (2-1-0) held on in the third.
"We had good jump," said Portland coach Mike Johnston, whose team was playing its third game in as many nights.
"I was impressed. We moved the puck well. Nic is a smart player and Troy has been around awhile. He's a key guy for us on the penalty kill and the power play. He always has good numbers."
Petan, who has a league-leading four goals and eight points, has at least one goal in each of his first three games.
"I feel more confident and comfortable out there," said Petan, who is in his second year in the WHL. "Confidence is the biggest thing for me. When you have that, your game is more comfortable and consistent. Everyone played well tonight."
Lucas Nickles and Mitch Topping each scored for the Americans (0-2-0), who lost back-to-back games to open the season for the first time since the start of the 2005-06 season.
"The urgency started too late," said Tri-City coach Jim Hiller. "In the third we played with passion, but we have to play 60 minutes to win hockey games. It's a matter of contributing. Wherever you are slotted in, you have to make a positive contribution."
Portland goaltender Brendan Burke made 24 saves for the win, while at the other end of the ice Eric Comrie stopped 35 shots.
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