Matt Laatsch

  (3:00 PM)

I am here and ready to go!

Alex

You have played CC so many times. Is it better to be playing someone that you know so well or is it easier to play a lesser-known opponent where match ups and strategies develop in the game?

Matt Laatsch

  (3:02 PM)

I don't think it really matters as far as how many times we have played. CC is not going to throw any surprises and we aren't going to surprise them. It should be a good matchup.

Maya, Lansing Michigan

Can you talk about the impact that the freshman at DU had on your season?

Matt Laatsch

  (3:03 PM)

The freshman have been unbelievable. As you team you can't expect your freshman to come in and light up the board. But this freshman class did and it's a reason we are where we are.

Frank (Chi-town)

I've seen a lot of talk about Pauk after that hit on Bina. How is he taking it now?

Matt Laatsch

  (3:03 PM)

Jeff is doing well. Something like that, it was unintentional and Jeff is just trying to move on.

Darren, Denver

Hey Matt, how often will you guys practice this week? Do you like the week and a half between playing games?

Matt Laatsch

  (3:04 PM)

We obviously practiced today. Depending on when we get to Columbus tomorrow, we might practice tomorrow. We'll practice on Wednesday but I doubt we will have a skate around on Thursday because of the early start.

Jose Silva- DU Alumni 04' (washington Dc)

What are three things DU has to do to keep CC from scoring?

Matt Laatsch

  (3:06 PM)

First would be to know where Sterling and Sertich are. Obviously shutting them down starts with the forecheck. That limits the amount of speed they can get going in the neutral zone. We also have to play tight D aganist Surtich and Sterling.

Allan (Anoka, MN)

The roating goalie system has worked fantastic for you guys this year. Do you believe it is better to do something like that when you have 2 able goalies or would you like to stick with the hot hand?

Matt Laatsch

  (3:07 PM)

I would say coach has been great in sticking with what has worked. We may be the only team in the tournament rotating guys but it has worked for us. I'm sticking with it because it has got us this far.

Frank (Chi-town)

Colby said Ill, but who do you like in tonite's championship game, UNC or ILL?

Matt Laatsch

  (3:07 PM)

I'm from Minnesota which is a Big Ten state so I'm going with Illinois.

mj (minneapolis)

You have played both the Gophers and the Sioux...who do you want to face in the final game?

Matt Laatsch

  (3:08 PM)

Right now are are just concentrating on CC. If we get to that point, it doesn't matter. We know their strengths and weaknesses. We are just putting everything in Thursday right now.

Josh, Columbia, MO

Hi Matt, in wake of the cancellation of the NHL season, didn't you think more college hockey would be televised.

Matt Laatsch

  (3:09 PM)

I don't know what it was like nationally. But the attention we got around Denver was unbelievable. All our games were sold out. This support and media attention has been unbelievable.

Matt Laatsch

  (3:10 PM)

All of our home games were televised which was great.

mitch North Dakota

How good is UND? Are you nervous about them peaking at the right moment?

Matt Laatsch

  (3:12 PM)

They remind me of us last year. They are peaking at the right time. Their team defense might be second to none. They are playing great. The key to winning it all is about how you are playing defensively and they are playing as good as anyone.

Darrel (Charlotte)

IN wake of the cancellation of the NHL season do you think that both Owners and Players are too greedy

Matt Laatsch

  (3:13 PM)

It would be nice if they could have come to a compromise but that didn't happen. Both Bettman and the players should shut themselves in a room and not come out until an agreement. It is what is is though. I think the cancellation, in some ways, has been great for college hockey.

Allan (Anoka, MN)

Were you excited to see that this year was an all-WCHA Frozen Four? Does it make preperation any easier with not having to watch as much tape or learn about an unfamilar opponent?

Matt Laatsch

  (3:14 PM)

It was great for our league. We have been close in years past. But this year it was great to see an all-WCHA field. We certainly know our opponents so not as much video tape wich is nice

Paul (Grand Forks, ND)

Is DU and CC traveling on the same airplane again. I heard that you have traveled together in the recent past and how that go?

Matt Laatsch

  (3:15 PM)

Not this time! I don't know what their travel sked is but we fly out in the morning. People made a big deal about that but it was pretty uneventful.

Jose Silva (Washington DC)

After you win the national championship, do you plan to take the trophey out on the town like last year?

Matt Laatsch

  (3:15 PM)

We have to win it first! I'm sure the fellows would plan on doing a lot of the same things as last year.

Frank (Chi-town)

Do you prefer the mountains of Co. to the lakes of Min?

Matt Laatsch

  (3:16 PM)

Lake of Minnesota. Minnesota is God's country.

Scott (Grand Forks, ND)

Matt, how do you guys plan to handle the Sertich/Sterling line?

Matt Laatsch

  (3:17 PM)

I think the same way we have done it the past times we played them. Matt Carl and Jussi Halme have done a great job in containing those guys. You should see that defensive pairing against that line quite a bit. But it all starts with the our forechecking and being physical.

Max (St. Louis, MO)

What other sport do you like to play and watch besides hockey?

Matt Laatsch

  (3:18 PM)

I like to play golf, both on the links and on video games. Besides hockey, I love watching college basketball and the Twins.

John (Denver)

What was your experience like with the USHL? Do you think it prepared you more for the college game than high school hockey could have?

Matt Laatsch

  (3:19 PM)

The USHL does a great job preparing any player to be successful in college. The speed of the game, the creativity and the physical nature of the game prepares guys to do well in college.

Mark (Mnpls, MN)

Twins this year will win it all....your thoughts?

Matt Laatsch

  (3:19 PM)

I totally agree, Mark. We just hopefully don't draw the Yankees in the first round.

Miguel

Who is, in your mind, the best college hockey player in the country?

Matt Laatsch

  (3:20 PM)

4 guys .. maybe I'm a homer .. but Marty Sertich, Matt Carl, Brett Sterling

Harold - East Bethal, MN

How has Denver gone from being terrible (5 years ago) to being a national power house?

Matt Laatsch

  (3:21 PM)

I wouldn't say we were terrible! But we weren't where we are now. I think it is a tribute to the coaching staff and the character guys we have brought in.

Matt Laatsch

  (3:22 PM)

Magness Arena doesn't hurt either.

Pierre (Quebec)

How has your team gotten used to having a "Friday" & "Saturday" goalie. Which goaltender will start vs CC

Matt Laatsch

  (3:23 PM)

We have gotten this far so I don't expect anything to change. Don't know who is starting on Thursday.

Jessica (Denver)

How have your team's experiences from last year changed the way you have prepared for your run this year?

Matt Laatsch

  (3:24 PM)

We have a core group of guys who went through so big games last year, down 3-1 against Duluth and coming back to win. Then holding on to a one-goal lead against Maine to win it. Our guys know how to play in big games.

Frank (Chi-town)

Do you think the Vikes made a smart move getting rid of Moss?

Matt Laatsch

  (3:25 PM)

Yeah. Only if we can get a great, young receiver in the draft. Also a good pick on defense.

Pierre (Quebec)

do you have an game day rituals?

Matt Laatsch

  (3:26 PM)

Me and my roomate Matt Carl, he sleeps the whole day. I'm up most of the day but maybe take an hour nap. Then we give a high five before we leave the room.

Allan (Anoka, MN)

Besides Magness, where do you enjoying playing games the most?

Matt Laatsch

  (3:28 PM)

Growing up in Minnesota, playing at Mariucci Arena is probably the most enjoybale place on the road. Also, Ralph Englestad Arena. Also playing Wisconsin at the Cole Center with the student section there. Thanks for the questions! Make sure you tune in at 2 ET on ESPN!