Jim (Los Angeles, CA)

C'mon what could possibly be said at this point except "Drop the puck!"

Joe Gladziszewski

  (4:01 PM)

That's the spirit, Jim! We're here at the Frozen Four ready for tonight's national semifinals on ESPN 2 HD and ESPN360.com.

Joe Gladziszewski

  (4:03 PM)

Lots of excitement here in DC as we prepare for Bemidji State and Miami at 5 p.m. followed by Boston University and Vermont at 8:30 p.m. We'll be taking your questions right up until face off.

Graham (St. Louis, MO)

Miami has been building toward this Frozen Four appearance for a decade. After being sent home by Boston College the previous 3 tournaments, they've finally arrived. But because of Bemidji State, no one is talking about them. What's your take on Miami's chances to win it all?

Joe Gladziszewski

  (4:05 PM)

I think Miami has a great shot, especially because of how they played in St. Paul at the regional. To beat a very strong Denver team and one of the hottest teams in the country in Minnesota Duluth is nothing to overlook.

Joe Gladziszewski

  (4:07 PM)

They're deep and experienced. The regional losses to Boston College over the last three years gave Miami good experience and drive. They know how the little breaks make a big difference and everything matters.

Chris (South Bend, IN)

Who does Miami start in goal tonight? Do they stick with the rotation or let Reichard try to finish what he started?

Joe Gladziszewski

  (4:09 PM)

Reichard will start. At playoff time, most coaches prefer to go with one starting goalie and the Miami staff picked Reichard. He's been great in the freshman tandem. All four goalies this week are young. We'll see how they respond to the pressure of this environment.

Chris (Montpelier, VT)

After handling Yale at their place and ending a game and a half against Air Force from a laser by Dan Lawson, what will Vermont need to do to pick up their third win against BU this season?

Joe Gladziszewski

  (4:11 PM)

Vermont's best attribute at the regional, in my opinion was the overall defense. They really stifled two high-scoring teams in Yale and Air Force. That bodes well for a matchup against another talented offensive club in BU. If they take care of their own end and scrape a couple of goals, they'll have their best chance. A low-scoring game favors the Cats.

Nick (N. Palm Beach, FL)

Since BU will lose senior Matt Gilroy and most likely sophomore Colin Wilson to the NHL, do you think next year's Terrier team will be able to defend their HEA title next year?

Joe Gladziszewski

  (4:13 PM)

I think they'll be fine, because they have enough talent throughout the lineup to pick up the slack of losing two premier players. I compare it to what Michigan faced this year with the loss of Kevin Porter, Chad Kolarik and Max Pacioretty (among others) but they were still national contenders and ranked highly all season.

Chris (Burlington, VT)

Being a UVM student, I pretty much know what to expect from the UVM/BU game tonight. What are some of the keys to the first semi? Saw Miami here at the Gut early in the year but they are a much different team now. Don't have the U up here, so as is probably the case with most, Bimidji St. is a relative unknown.

Joe Gladziszewski

  (4:17 PM)

The first game will probably have a bit of a slower pace than the second game. Managing nerves is going to be a big thing for two teams in their first ever Frozen Four. An early goal is also key, as that should settle things down. Both teams scored first in their opening games against No. 1 seeds and that really helped settle them down.

Marv (UVM)

What will it take for my Cats to celebrate tonight? GO CATS GO!

Joe Gladziszewski

  (4:21 PM)

It'll take a great effort against a very strong BU team. I think the Catamounts have a quiet confidence about them and were very businesslike in their demeanor during Wednesday's practices.

Adam (Anchorage, AK)

Is it true that BSU defenseman, Graham McManamin, will not dress the rest of the tournament? If so, what will the Beavers have to do to shore up their blue line?

Jeff Howe

  (4:22 PM)

McManamin is scratched tonight. We'll find out about his status for Saturday is Bemidji moves on.

Chris (Vermont)

What do you think of Vermont's chances tonight as the "underdog?" With Vic's younger brother coming to UVM next year, do you see him sticking around or taking off for the pro's? Go Cats!

Jeff Howe

  (4:26 PM)

I think Vermont has the capability of pulling out a tough win. At the very least, this will be a game that mirrors the Hockey East championship and the Northeast Regional final, and it'll come down to a late goal. If Vermont maintains its focus in its own zone and tenacious attack defending the neutral zone, it will offset BU's capability to put up a quick burst. As for Stalberg, he's got the size to go pro, but he would probably benefit from one more year of schooling. I think his brother's arrival will definitely give him the extra incentive to stick around, much like Matt Gilroy did this season for the same reason.

Woburn, MA

What team in the frozen four has the coolest uniforms? Go cats go!

Jeff Howe

  (4:28 PM)

I've been a fan of BU's home whites since they changed them up a season or two ago.

Sully (Brookline MA)

How does BU steer clear of the upset jinx that's befallen the other top seeds in this tournament thus far?

Jeff Howe

  (4:31 PM)

Like Jack Parker said last week in Manchester, it's important for BU to go out and finish plays. It's not about wanting to get things done and hoping the puck continues bouncing in the right direction. It's about crashing the net, fighting in the corners and making sure the puck finds the net. If the Terriers come out with a purpose, they'll be in good shape.

Nate (Lakeville MN)

What is the scene like in DC? Has college hockey taken over in the capital?

Jeff Howe

  (4:33 PM)

It's definitely amping up today. There were a ton of college hockey fans roaming through the media hotel this morning and this afternoon, and there are a lot of jerseys outside the rink. Jess Myers said there was a good turnout of Beaver fans at the Lincoln Memorial earlier. It'll be a good week in that regard.

Westy (Chestnut Hill)

All right, let's have it -- you've been there for a few days -- Who's female fans are the best looking?

Jeff Howe

  (4:35 PM)

You've gotta check our site more often. We've been chirping the Miami coeds since the '70s.

Nick (N. Palm Beach, FL)

Besides shutting down Viktor Stahlberg and scoring more goals, what does BU have to do to advance tonight? GO TERRIERS!!!!

Jeff Howe

  (4:39 PM)

BU has to break out of its zone and advance through the neutral zone with more ease than it did against UNH in Manchester. I also thought BU tried to get a little too creative with the puck in the Wildcats' zone rather than just firing the puck and swarming the crease when it struggled with finding its consistent attack. On the other end, do a better job protecting Millan than it did against UNH. That's about it. The talent will take over from there.

Stan (Seattle, WA)

Do you think that Bemidji's recent run has given their players some additional attention from the NHL, where they would otherwise be overlooked?

Jeff Howe

  (4:41 PM)

Not really, because I think that would be a knock on the NHL's scouts. These front offices look far and wide, from home in America to abroad in Europe. While a postseason run gives NHL scouts more material to work with, these kids are already on their radar.

Adam (Anchorage, AK)

Who would win in a death match: a Red Hawk or a Beaver?

Jeff Howe

  (4:42 PM)

Hawks can fly. That's a huge advantage.

Chris (South Bend, IN)

How about the BIG question - which teams win tonight?

Jeff Howe

  (4:43 PM)

We've got four INCH writers in the room at the moment, and the four of us are unanimous with BU in the second game. Two of us are picking Miami in the first game, and the other two believe in Bemidji.

Jeff Howe

  (4:45 PM)

All right, that's all we've got for now. It's time to head outside to the games. Thanks a lot for your questions for today's chat, and make sure to stop by for another session tomorrow at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Enjoy the games.