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Craig Patrick: Team-Focused Attitude Has Benefited U.S. & Finland

PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) -- Craig Patrick joined "The Fan Morning Show" on Thursday to talk about his experiences in the Olympics and this year's men's hockey action.

Patrick's resume includes being the assistant coach & assistant general manger for the 1998 United States Olympic hockey team, general manager for the 2002 United States Olympic hockey team and former Penguins and Rangers general manager. He is currently the Sabres' special assistant & advisor to the hockey department,

Patrick sees the United States as the favorite against Canada in Friday's semifinals. He believes that it will be crucial for the U.S. to stay aggressive on offense against Canada, although he expects these games will ultimately ride on each team's goaltending.

He believes that the U.S. and Finnish squads have really bought in and played like a team, which has contributed to their success and given him reason to pick them in the semifinal games. He isn't sure who would win a USA vs. Finland gold medal game, though.

He has been surprised by Penguins/Finnish team defenseman Olli Maatta. He really liked Maatta when he watched him in juniors, but he didn't expect this much out of him. He thinks that Maatta's smarts and size have contributed to his emergence.

The interview can be heard here:

Craig Patrick 2-20

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