INSIDE HOCKEY

Since the beginning of my love for hockey, way back when, all those years ago when I was in college, I have disliked the Stars. I don't dislike them quite as much as the Red Wings, but they're close rivals on the evil meter. It just so happens, as you all probably know, my Ducks are going up against the Stars in the first round of the playoffs.

With these playoffs kicking into gear, I’m definitely excited. The Ducks are defending their Stanley Cup win, after all. It’s not going to be easy. The Stars won five of their first six meetings with the Ducks this season and lost the last two. However, the Stars bombed in their last three attempts in the playoffs, not making it past the first round. Hopefully, Anaheim can crank it up offensively as they’ve been a bit lacking in that area lately. I’m counting on the always fresh Ryan Getzlaf to show his stuff in this area. I'm also hoping Giguere can play like the MVP he is and fend off the aggressive Stars.

I’ve read some game previews and everyone seems to think this will be a tight series. I agree. How could it not be? They’re the fourth and fifth seeded teams going head to head for crying out loud. It’s gonna be a mad showdown!

I figure I can throw in a bit of an update on my search for a hockey buddy since I'm still on the lookout. I’m being a little more mellow about it since I’m not finding what I’m looking for and I don’t like to repeatedly let myself down. My self esteem can only take so much. I refuse to beg; I’d rather just watch alone.

A friend of mine recently hooked me up with a Ducks fan in Orange County who had a ticket available for me for the game versus San Jose at the end of March. Turned out, they guy’s friend has season tickets. The seats were great and I always love being in the Honda Center. Of course, the Oreo hot fudge sundaes cannot be beat either.

Even though the seats were great, the game was horrible. San Jose really put on the pressure and beat Anaheim 3-1. According to the guy who invited me, Scott Niedermayer is a Jedi. Quite possible, I’d think. Unfortunately, that night, his Jedi powers could not stop the Pacific Division champs. Overall, I love seeing games live. That’s always a great experience. I didn’t like when we were leaving and the guy who invited me said, “You’re shorter than I thought you would be.” Who says that to someone? Yes, I am a petite woman who never grew past the height of 5’ 2”, but I can’t even remember the last time someone actually commented on it. My response was “Did you think I’d be taller by my writing?”

Not only did the guy make that little height comment faux pas, his friend with the season tickets asked for my age during the game. Clearly, these guys were amateurs. Asking a woman’s age is sudden death and then following it up with an accurate guess is just digging yourself into your own nice grave. Don’t get me wrong, the seats were great and I appreciate the offer. I was just caught a little off guard.

Taking one last whack at finding someone to chum with during the playoffs, I asked my Kings fan friend if he’d be interested in watching the playoffs with me. His response, “I’ll probably watch one game with you.” Only one game? Out of all the games the Ducks will be playing in the playoffs? He doesn’t have to be such a sore loser because the Kings were so horribly bad this year (like they are pretty much every year). He might as well enjoy my company and cheer for the team slightly south of him. I guess I’ll take his company for one game, though. No need to throw me a bone here, people. I’m doing just fine.

One final question I have ringing in my head: will Parros be sporting a mean playoff beard? Aside from the amped up hockey playing, the beards are the best part of the playoffs. I look forward to facial hair galore.