World Cup of Hockey (Jets update): Patrik Laine pre-game quotes

A big media contingent surrounded Jets 2016 1st round pick (2nd overall) Patrik Laine as he gets ready to play his first World Cup of Hockey game against Team North America tonight.

Tweets via Mark Masters of TSN:

– Patrik Laine on facing Matthews: “I don’t really care. I just want to have a good tournament. I don’t want to think about other players.”

– Laine says his fitness level at world championships would not be good enough for #WCH2016 so he got to work this summer

– Patrik Laine believes #WCH2016 is perfect way to launch pro career bc after going thru this the pace in the NHL won’t be a surprise.

Lots of articles about Laine as folks turn their attention to his first regulation World Cup of Hockey game that counts:

TSN:  What’s the biggest difference between Matthews and Laine? (Video).   As Team North America gets set for a showdown against Team Finland tonight, Dave Poulin gives his thoughts on what’s the biggest difference between Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine.

Toronto Sun:  Patrik Laine gets first chance to prove he should have been No. 1.  Something tells me we will be reading about this rivalry for the rest of their respective careers.

Sportsnet:  Patrik Laine talks about whether he cares if he has a better tournament than Auston Matthews.  (Video).  Team Finland forward Patrik Laine talks about whether he cares about having a better tournament than Auston Matthews.