The Dallas Mavericks are into the second round. The Texas Rangers are back to .500. And, out in North Richland Hills, a minor-league hockey team tonight begins its quest for the Metroplex's first pro sports championship this millennium.

Maybe this Swine Flu is a good thing after all?

Couple of riveting Game 7s in the NHL last night, neither, of course, involving your disappointing Dallas Stars. For local playoff hockey you have to turn to the Texas Brahmas, who have been around for 11 years but never this close to a championship.

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Nothing like playoff hockey in North Texas in the spring.

Long, spirited series. Mysterious injuries. Clutch goaltending. Late nights melting into early mornings watching multiple-overtime classics.

And, of course, driving to North Richland Hills.

Because if you want post-season ice hockey this year, you best become a bandwagon fan of the Texas Brahmas.

Don't tell me you're still holding out hope for your Dallas Stars? Already on life support, they flat-lined last night with a 1-0 shootout loss that leaves them 0-4-1 in their last five games and in 12th place - five points out of 8th - with eight games remaining.

While the Stars limp toward a premature evacuation, the Brahmas are just getting started. I should know. After all, I am suddenly the team's TV analyst.

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