INSIDE HOCKEY

I regret to report that I am still having difficulties finding a hockey buddy. I didn't think it was humanly possible to run out of possibilities in this enormously populated city, but apparently I was wrong. We're nearing playoff territory here and I'm still a solo female hockey fan.

On the bright side, throughout these treacherous months, I have found a few gems. Granted, I still haven’t found that special someone to make me dinner on a Friday night while I sit on the couch and watch the game, but I have found a few to kick it with every once in a while.

I drowned my lonely sorrows in a hot fudge sundae at the Honda Center on Sunday when I watched my Ducks take on the Montreal Canadiens. As I sat in my car before the game, I was shocked and appalled to see the groups of the Montreal fans walk by my car. But I guess when you think about it, it’s only fair since the NHL was started in that city way back in 1917. Still, it’s always funny to see Canadian team fans in southern California.

The Ducks dominated the entire game and ended the night with 37 shots on goal. From the start, I knew the game would go the right way. Todd Marchant scored a mere 21 seconds into the game when my hands were full holding my sundae. I was accompanied by three friends this time – one of whom had never been to a NHL game before and drove 90 miles from San Diego to witness the event. He said he enjoyed the game and would probably watch hockey several times a week but, of course, there’s a problem - he lives 120 miles away from me. The best he could do is send a pizza delivery guy to my place and have a conference call with me during games - probably not going to work. Sure, go ahead, tell me it’s my own fault for inviting him to watch the game. But, as I said, I’ve met a few gems. And maybe this is the way to go – different buddies for different occasions.

This match-up was Anaheim’s seventh consecutive home game win – tying a franchise record. And just coming off a two game loss on the road, shutout losses at Chicago and Colorado, this was good for their self esteem and hopefully gave them a burst of energy to keep on going in a successful direction. I believe the game against Montreal was the first time they’d played them at home since 2004. At least, I think that’s what it said on the front of the game program. I started to look at it before the game but I was distracted by my favorite facial hair during warm-ups. You know who I’m talking about.

Speaking of the 'stache, my beloved George Parros was a scratch. I was oh so close to the ice and I didn't even get to see my favorite Duck, not to mention favorite moustache, on the ice. Why does everything lean toward tragic for me this season? Luckily, I had the opportunity to hear the announcer utter the words, “Assisted by The Niedermayer brothers! (after Pahlsson's goal in the third period)” The phrase brought me much glee.

The last time I was at the Honda Center, my brother and I giggled like school children the entire time, annoying the families around us. He’s probably my most entertaining hockey buddy, mostly because he’s my brother, a hockey player and funny. I hope to one day see him in NHL garb on the ice.

The regular season is coming to an end and the evil Red Wings and almost as evil Dallas Stars are in the lead in the Western Conference. The Ducks will have to crank up their play to build some points to stay in the game with a decent ranking. I don't really want them to play the Sharks in the first round of the playoffs. I’d rather see a California Conference finals. The only downside to Anaheim’s win against Montreal was that it kept Montreal behind New Jersey in the Eastern Conference rankings. I tend to group the Devils in with the Red Wings and the Stars.

Can you believe it's almost playoff time again? I refuse to watch them alone. I mean it this time.