If you are like me, and something tells me you are, you may find yourself in the unenviable position to eat some crow to a friend or co-worker who is a Ducks fan. Whether they are a long-time fan from when the Ducks were "mighty" or they just happened to jump on the Black, Gold and Orange bandwagon this post-season, these fans deserve your attention.

To help you maneuver through this difficult process, we here at Life In Hockeywood have some suggestions for you to maintain your dignity while still being able to command respect.

First, make sure you seek the Duck fan out first to congratulate them. By calling first or going out of your way to offer kudos, this will allow you to dictate the terms of the conversation. It takes most of the wind out of their sails as you offer your hand in true sportsmanship, and throws them off-kilter.Second, speak slowly and respectfully. It provides you with an appearance of someone who is sincere. Plus, by speaking slowly, they'll be able to follow the conversation. But keep the discussion moving. To do that, see the following step:

3) Provide some observations about the series. Say things like: "Ottawa sure couldn't get anything going in that last game," or "The Sens' first line just didn't have it all series." This keeps the focus on analysis of the Finals, and off of comparing the Ducks to the Kings. Also, keep changing the subject quickly, which will allow to to seemlessly transition to the next step.

The fourth point is key: give credit where credit is due. This means you should mention one of the Ducks players; be it Selanne, Giguere, Pronger... whoever. But then sneak in Kariya, like this:

"It's good to see Selanne finally lift the Cup. He really deserves it. All the guys, really. Selanne, the Neidermeyers, Giggy, Kariya, Pronger... They all deserve the Cup, right?"

Nine times out of ten, the casual fan won't notice P.K.'s inclusion. They'll just blindly keep nodding in agreement, as you lay it on thick. Then you can set the trap.

"Especially Kariya. Man, he's been there for ages. It was good to see him bring it home, right?"

If your friend is "that kind" of fan, they won't see it coming. If they don't say anything a second time, drop the hammer.

"Yeah, because Paul Kariya hasn't been on the team since 2003. You did actually watch the playoffs, right? Wow, I'd think you would've caught that. Some fan you are..."

Dumbfounded, your friend will stammer, and try some retort. But it's too late. They have been found out as the fair weather fan Anaheim is famous for.

Advantage: you.