ESPN

Mike Eidelbes

  (6:00 PM)

Good afternoon from Denver ... one hour until we start the championship match. Should be a good one. Let's get started.

Jack (Charlton, MA)

Is it right to think that ND's defensive style should make this a tight game?

Mike Eidelbes

  (6:02 PM)

Notre Dame's forwards impressed me Thursday against Michigan with how hard they back check -- in fact, they were a little too aggressive on a couple of occasions. That said, the Irish can skate with anyone, and they're good in transition. I don't think we'll see a 2-1 game.

Steve (Cincinnati, Ohio)

What do you think are the keys to the game tonight?

Mike from Chestnut Hill, MA

How do you think the play of Boston College's fourth line of Kucharski, Orpik, and Lombardi will affect the National Championship game?

Mike Eidelbes

  (6:05 PM)

In both semifinal matches, the winners got contributions from the fourth lines. In games like this -- on the big stage -- you expect your stars to make plays. It's the Orpiks, Ridderwalls, guys like that who chip in, that make the difference. I'd say that and the play of the goalies are the keys.

Brett Madison, WI

Have you ever seen a move as intricate as Ryan Thang's Backhand Toe Pull on Thursday? That took some serious skill.

Mike Eidelbes

  (6:07 PM)

That was an unbelievable move and Thang completely baffled the Michigan defender. That and Ovechkin's goal against Philly last night are the top two of the season, in my opinion.

Lou (Boston)

I know it's an incredibly difficult questions, and even to answer is splitting hairs, but who's got the coaching edge tonight?

brian custer mishawaka indiana

coaching edge? nd or bc?

Mike Eidelbes

  (6:11 PM)

This is an amazing coaching matchup. Jerry York has certainly done a great job with BC this season, given the injuries and turmoil they've had this season. And Jeff Jackson is among the best big-game coaches in college hockey history. In a one-game situation, I'd take Jackson, but York's not a bad second option.

Robby (Toronto)

Is this the first of many times we will see the Irish in frozen four with Jackson at the helm?

Mike Eidelbes

  (6:14 PM)

Big ups to the T.O. Notre Dame certainly has a lot of things going in its direction with Jackson at the helm, and once they get a new arena on campus, that program will only get better. They've got a very good chance to consistently rank among the nation's top five programs.

Andrew (Chicago)

Who holds the goalie advantage in this game? They are both young, but seem to be one of the top factors in the game tonight?

Mike Eidelbes

  (6:21 PM)

I think it's a draw, at least on paper. Both Muse and Pearce are steady goaltenders. I think Muse might be a little more acrobatic than Pearce, but we've also seen teams exploit a weakness by shooting high glove.

Joe Gladziszewski

  (6:26 PM)

Thanks for the questions, Joe Gladziszewski now stepping in to chat for a bit.

Thomas ( Michigan)

Who can actually stop the Gerbe show?? 6-2 BC, book it.

Joe Gladziszewski

  (6:28 PM)

Gerbe is definitely amazing, and he's one to watch tonight. Notre Dame's defense group as a whole, I think, is the best group of six in the nation. It's not up to them to stop Gerbe, it's actually the Notre Dame forwards. If they can possess the puck and keep pressure in the zone, that will be most effective.

Ward (Philly)

Any news on Christian Hanson and his availability tonight?

Joe Gladziszewski

  (6:29 PM)

Hanson's knee was acting up on him and gave out in the Thursday night game. At yesterday's practice he said it was a little sore, but he'll be ready to go tonight, centering a line with Garrett Regan and Christiaan Minella.

Chris Boston, Ma

Whish team are you more suprised to see in the finals? and who has teh edge in this game?

Joe Gladziszewski

  (6:32 PM)

Notre Dame is the bigger surprise, and Boston College has the edge. But that's exactly what we thought last year on this night when Michigan State won the title with a couple of late goals against the Eagles.

Gene (Providence)

In the semi preview, Notre Dame's face-off prowess was touted, yet Michigan ate their lunch at the dot. Can the Irish win a possession game tonight without fabulous face-off success?

Joe Gladziszewski

  (6:34 PM)

Yes, because they are outstanding at generating turnovers and getting the puck back in their possession. Tonight's key thing to watch is transition hockey. Which team will be able to get out on the rush off of a miscue or giveaway or bad line change ... that's where you'll see the best scoring chances.

Paul (Norton Shores): Mi

Do you think Michigan or Michigan State will ever have 3peats in college Hockey and Ask Golic Wye he wont do the Play-by-play with ray ferraro and Gary Thorn?

Joe Gladziszewski

  (6:36 PM)

It's harder than ever for teams to repeat, let alone win three in a row. The elite programs are being challenged now more than ever and any team that makes the NCAAs has a chance to win the whole thing. Notre Dame was the last at-large team in this tournament and has rattled off three straight wins.

brian custer mishawaka indiana

the fighting irish have shaken the foundatuins of the college hockey establishment. none but the most faithful thought notre dame would make it past the wolverines. will any of the experts go out on a limb and predict another stunning irish victory tonight?

Joe Gladziszewski

  (6:39 PM)

I won't make predictions, but I wouldn't be surprised if Notre Dame wins. Their talent is outstanding and they have "it" as they've shown through their first three games.

henk (chicago)

hey what's the feeling out there in denver. is the buzz more for nd or bc?

Joe Gladziszewski

  (6:41 PM)

Probably more buzz for BC, but I think the neutral fans will be pulling for Notre Dame in this game. They'll benefit from the underdog role and other fans I think like to see new faces.

Bill (Boston)

How do you see the goaltending matchup breaking down?

Joe Gladziszewski

  (6:42 PM)

Boston College probably has the advantage, because Muse has been so great in big games and has been on the big stage with Beanpot, Hockey East tournament, etc. Notre Dame's Jordan Pearce let in a bad goal late in Thursday's game, but has been solid for Notre Dame all year and was voted as their team MVP.

Steve (South Bend)

Can the Irish slow down Gerbe?

Joe Gladziszewski

  (6:44 PM)

They'll have to if they want to win. Gerbe is dynamic and changed the game against North Dakota in the first period. Watch for him to make a big play in this tight game. If Notre Dame limits him, or keeps the puck away from him, it'll greatly help their chances.

Matt (South Bend, IN)

Is there an NHL player who you could compare Gerbe to? Perhaps Briere?

Joe Gladziszewski

  (6:47 PM)

Briere is a good comparison because he does so much on the rush. There are also the opportunities he gets around the net by popping out from the corner and in the slot. That characteristic is probably more similar to Brian Gionta, former BC player and current New Jersey Devil.

Avan (Boston)

Does BC get enough credit for their defense? Muse is good but his defense makes him great in my opinion.

Joe Gladziszewski

  (6:49 PM)

Their defense is very, very good, but they don't get the credit because of the outstanding forwards and John Muse's storyline that he's a freshman stepping in and replacing a player like Cory Schneider. I like their group, and especially how they responded to losing a pair of top guys early in the season.

Fino (Chestnut Hill, MA)

How much added pressure is on BC given that this is their 3rd straight finals appearance?

Joe Gladziszewski

  (6:51 PM)

There's a bit of pressure because they haven't won it. I think they might start thinking about that if the game stays close.

Clint (chatham, ill

who is tonights suprise player?

Joe Gladziszewski

  (6:53 PM)

Watch for BC's fourth line of Kyle Kucharski, Andrew Orpik, and Matt Lombardi. They got the first goal on Thursday and present a bit of a different look with their size and strength.

Joe Gladziszewski

  (6:54 PM)

Mike Eidelbes will step in to wrap things up.

Sven (Marma, Sweden)

Who wins tonight, ESPNers? I'll got the Irish.

Jerry (Chestnut Hill, MA)

C'mon now, really. Is there any way Superfans aren't dancing in the streets tonight? The Irish really have no chance do they?

Mike Eidelbes

  (6:57 PM)

The results of Thursday's game should prove that the Irish have a great shot tonight. I think it'll be close through two periods, but BC wins with two 3rd period goals, 4-2.

Mike Eidelbes

  (6:57 PM)

Thanks for your questions ... enjoy the game!