Jeff Howe

  (2:30 PM)

Hey, everybody. Thanks for joining us for another Inside College Hockey chat here on ESPN.com. We're excited to get underway and even more so to watch this weekend's set of games.

Glen (Greenfield, MA)

If you had to choose between UMass' Jon Quick and UNH's Kevin Regan to have as your goalie in tomorrow's game, who would you go with?

Jeff Howe

  (2:31 PM)

I've seen Quick play each of his last five games, and I'd take him over every goalie in Hockey East right now, not just Regan.

J.R. (Lowell, MA)

With injuries to Aiello and Sneep, BC used All-American forward Brian Boyle on defense (where he may play as a pro) last weekend and he looked very solid. He may also play on D this weekend as well. Given the situation, do you like this idea or do you think BC should just roll 5 defensemen or dress Justin Greene and keep Boyle at forward?

Jeff Howe

  (2:33 PM)

Jerry York likes having Boyle on the blue line. While he'd obviously rather keep him up front on BC's top line, it gives his team a unique look with him back on D. The good thing for the Eagles is how well they're playing offensively right now, which allows for this option.

Evan Patten (Tewksbury MA)

Do you guys think that hockey east is getting weaker and weaker every year compared to the teams out in the the midwest?

Jeff Howe

  (2:35 PM)

Hockey East is definitely the deepest conference in the country, but the top of the WCHA has definitely been superior to the top of Hockey East over the last few years. All you need to do is check out the recent national champions. It's not so much that Hockey East is getting weaker. The WCHA just seems to be getting better.

Dave

Jeff appreciate your time. My one question is why do we not see college hockey more exposed on tv and in the media? I think if we exposed more college hockey and junior hockey the fan base would continue to grow as it is a different style of play and very enjoyable to watch and being a part as I had the pleasure of being apart of it at my days at Michigan.

Jeff Howe

  (2:37 PM)

I agree 100 percent. Though we may be bias here at Inside College Hockey, we definitely feel the college game is better to watch than the pro game right now. It definitely needs more TV time. While we're on the subject, when can I play some college hockey on the Playstation 3?

Marc (St. Paul, MN)

Assuming Jeff Frazee and Kellen Briggs are both at the top of their games, who do you feel gives the Gophers their best chance to win the Final Five and National Championship?

Jess Myers

  (2:38 PM)

At this point in the season, you've got to go with experience. Look for the Gophers to ride the horse from Colorado as far as it will take them.

Dave Menomonie, WI

I think that Wisconsin has a pretty fair chance of making some noise in the WCHA final five. With their defense, Brian Elliott in goal, and the way they've been playing recently, do you think they have a realistic shot at winning the WCHA tournament.

Jess Myers

  (2:39 PM)

Winning two games, yes. Winning three games, no. The Badgers don't have the depth or the consistent offense to win three games in three nights. But two good wins in St. Paul would be a nice way to close the season for an underachieving team.

Juice, Winona, MN

If the Gophers win the WCHA Tourney and Norte Dame falls in the CCHA Tourney, do the Gophs grab the #1 seed in the Midwest rather than in the West?

Jess Myers

  (2:39 PM)

Those are two HUGE "ifs" but based on the computer program that really likes Minnesota, I could see the Gophers getting the top seed under that scenario.

aaron from sharon

What are UMass' chances of winning the Hockey East championship?

Jeff Howe

  (2:42 PM)

If you told UMass fans six months ago that would be a legitimate question in March, I bet they'd be a bit happy. The team is rolling right now, and Jon Quick is stealing the show in net. I think UMass can beat UNH but will ultimately fall to BC Saturday night. Even still, the Minutemen are a virtual lock to make the NCAA tourney.

Dave

Jeff in return of the ps3 question. I ask myself that everyday!!!! Plus it would of been nice to be able to play with myself a few years back ;-)

Jeff Howe

  (2:43 PM)

Good call. We need a lacrosse game, too, while we're at it. Come on, EA Sports.

Matt

Jeff, I had the pleasure of playing with ST Clouds Bobby Goepfert in the USHL a few years back and always thought highly of him durring the times there. Do you see him becoming a solid tender in the show a few years from now

Jess Myers

  (2:44 PM)

It's extremely hard to judge whether college hockey talent will transfer to the NHL. Keep in mind that Adam Hauser has played more NHL games than Karl Goehring. But considering Goepfert's play this season in some high-pressure situations, I'd say he could help a pro team.

Chris (Boston, MA)

Ok, here's an interesting look at things: Karson Gillespie --> 2-0-1, 0.38 GAA, .982 save %. Brett Bennett --> 1-0-0, 1.00 GAA, .944 save %. So tell me why I'm supposed to be so impressed with Johnny Curry when his two backups put up these numbers? Do these numbers not show that it's not Curry but BU's defense and defensive style?

Jeff Howe

  (2:47 PM)

Curry has done it over the course of the season. The other two have done it for three games and one game, respectively. Every single player and coach on that team will tell you Curry is their MVP.

Shane, Potsdam, NY

How do you see Clarkson fairing in the NCAA's?

Joe Gladziszewski

  (2:47 PM)

Clarkson is a dangerous team that can match up against any team in the nation at forward. How far they'll go depends on a relatively untested defense and goalie David Leggio, who has been spectacular all season.

Kellie (Boston)

People somewhere are smiling on Boston right now because two of my favorite events of the year, Hockey East Championships and St. Patricks day, fall on the same day. Who do you think will be there and should I ditch the Irish pub for the dugout?

Jeff Howe

  (2:49 PM)

Boston is absolutely the place to be on St. Patrick's Day. No question about that one. Unfortunately, Kellie, I don't see your Terriers getting past BC.

Rick, Bangor Me

With maine lossing its last 4 games what rank do you think they will get in the playoffs. They will probably head out west, but do you see them as a 3 or 4 seed? Also why is Michelle Levielle not one or the ten hobey backer finalists?

Jeff Howe

  (2:52 PM)

If Maine gets in, it's a 4 seed. The pieces will really have to fall into place for this to happen, too. On Leveille, he's a tremendous player, but Maine's slide is a big reason for his absence.

Travis, Canada

Hey guys, thanks for lifting the curse against LSSU, after your comments earlier this year about how tough their remaining schedule was after the Notre Dame series! But now we have to do the naked chicken Voo Doo dance to keep their streak of wins going during the playoffs!

Joe Gladziszewski

  (2:53 PM)

The Lakers should enjoy their time in Detroit this weekend. It's a great achievement to make it to The Joe. As far as the dancing part, we'll save our boogeying for the Frozen Four in St. Louis.

Johnny (Utah)

Who do you guys expect to see in St. Louis?

Joe Gladziszewski

  (2:54 PM)

Predictions are tough to make before we see the bracket on Sunday, but I'll go ahead and pick Boston College, St. Cloud State, Notre Dame, and North Dakota.

Dan (Boston)

So who do you think will win the Hobey Baker award this year? and what team do you see winning it all this year? Me i see Umass winning it all i hope!!

Joe Gladziszewski

  (2:58 PM)

Ryan Duncan looks like a safe bet for Hobey right now. He's been rolling, and so has the Sioux. I'm not sure about the Minutemen winning the championship, but they have the goalie. Sometimes, that's all you need. BC and North Dakota look pretty good in that regard right now.

TG (Boston, MA)

Jeff or Joe - Please tell me BG's Scott Paluch is out. I need to know. College hockey needs that progam back up to respectability. They could have had George Roll!!

Mike Eidelbes

  (3:00 PM)

Sorry to disappoint you, but Scott Paluch got a vote of confidence from the BGSU AD last week, so he'll be behind the bench for another year. At least the Falcons showed signs of life down the stretch, beating both Michigan and Michigan State at BG and giving Nebraska-Omaha a run for its money in the first round of the CCHA playoffs.

Jenna (Boston)

Thoughts on Brian Boyle's recent turnaround since the Beanpot? He's been playing very well and one can't help but be impressed with the fact that he's playing defense so well. He's quietly had a nice season.

Jeff Howe

  (3:01 PM)

Ever since he got his 'C' back, Boyle has been playing a whole lot better. We've given Nathan Gerbe a ton of praise lately, but -- while playing forward -- Boyle has been a huge reason for that.

Jeff Howe

  (3:03 PM)

All right, everyone. Thanks a lot for your questions today. Make sure to read all about this weekend's action on InsideCollegeHockey.com, as we'll have full tournament coverage. We'll also have a special Selection Sunday podcast to look out for. It's an exciting time of year for college hockey fans so have a great time at the rinks this weekend.