There are two ways to watch a sports game: alone or with friends and family. From there, the location options are endless. A bar, at home, in the stadium or on a yacht in Newport — though I do not personally partake in that last one.
The Anaheim Ducks first round NHL playoff series against the Edmonton Oilers offered six opportunities to try one of those combinations. The Ducks won 4-2, and as we head into the second round, fans should know the best and worst ways to watch playoff hockey. I watched every game from the first round, and chronicled my experience.
One caveat: I definitely missed out on some of the best ways to enjoy the games. I could’ve tried a few other bars, gone to the Ducks’ official watch party or invited friends over to my dorm. But take heed from my ratings and the second round will be a complete joy to watch.
Game #1: Bar (Danny K’s Billiards & Sports Bar)
With friends and random other fans
Score: Oilers win 4-3
Going to a sports bar will always be a good choice. But the level of enjoyment can vary depending on what you want. And for a playoff game, you want to be hyped up more than anything else.
When a goal is scored, people better be jumping up and cheering loudly. My group brought that passion to the bar, but it didn’t feel like people around us were quite at that level. Danny K’s is also on the chill side, with billiards games and darts to distract people.
I would say around 65% of the contingent on the night were Ducks fans. Maybe at another bar, the ratio would’ve been closer to 100%. However, there was just enough energy to feel connected to the fans around us. When the Ducks scored, people celebrated. When the Oilers scored, dejection was evident on many faces.
In general, a bar is a great place to chat about the game, sports in general or any random topic while watching. The sense of community is strong. When the Ducks briefly led, it felt euphoric to be in a place with other fans. Also, beer and food are on offer for a decent price at Danny K’s.
Overall, it was a very enjoyable experience and worth the time and money. We could celebrate, but there are certainly other atmospheres better suited for getting hyped. Thankfully, it was easy to walk out pissed off since our tab was closed out.
Rating: 7.5/10
Game #2: Home
Alone
Score: Ducks win 6-4
After a loss, sometimes a return to comfort is needed. Computer on lap, outside world shuttered off. The bar is fun, and I could have gone to the Ducks watch party after reserving free tickets. Superstition reigned, though, as a lot of wins I watched during the season were enjoyed in the Davis Apartments. It has a certain good luck aura.
Being at home is also fun, let’s be honest. You have your own food and snacks and don’t have to pay extra prices for anything. No transportation is needed. I didn’t invite friends over this time, but it’s a good option especially if you have an apartment to yourself or, god forbid, a house.
The best part of Kevin McCallister’ing it, however, is the ability to fully experience the range of emotions that come with watching a pivotal playoff game.
Each goal the Ducks scored, I was jumping up, shouting, clapping, throwing things in joy and acting in a manner that the general public would frown at. And when the Oilers scored, the expletives list grew from what I used at Danny K’s.
Rating: 8.5/10
Game #3: Sneaking glances at livestream on phone or the ESPN app or social media while out with friends
Score: Ducks win 7-4
Sometimes life calls. You want to have it all — hang out with friends while doing activities that aren’t sports related at all. It doesn’t really work if you want to experience the joy of the playoffs, however. Watching senior thesis film screenings at Dodge was not the most conducive setting to do so.
The night was fun, and the Ducks played a great game which made it easier on my mental health, but I would recommend just choosing one or the other. Either watch the game or hang out. If both are to occur, the hang out needs to be centered around the game.
Still, this was easily the least stressful game of the series from my perspective. The score kept changing in the 10 minutes it took to watch a short film and then check my phone, which was shocking, but I didn’t have to deal with the nitty gritty. Maybe the healthiest way to watch sports is to not watch them?
I did watch the highlights after I got home later in the night, so that was a lovely cherry on top to the evening.
Rating: 2/10
Game #4: The Pond (Honda Center)
With Easton Clark (photo editor) and 16k other fans
Score: Ducks win 4-3 in overtime
Going to the game is the best playoff experience. That is not a surprising statement. It was worth every dollar — of which there were $286 for two nosebleed tickets.
It didn’t hurt that game four was the closest in the series by far. The Ducks came back from down 2-0 and down 3-2 to force overtime, where they won in the most dramatic fashion I’ve ever witnessed live. Anaheim’s game-winning goal was just inches over the line, and the entire stadium was stuck in anticipatory anxiety. When the ref finally called it a good goal, I couldn’t hear myself think.
Attending playoff hockey — or any playoff sport for that matter — is a must see for a sports fan. It is life changing. It is the maker of lifetime memories. Honda Center was loud, the game was great and even from the cheap seats there wasn’t a second where I regretted going.
