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Rockets Still Steaming Mad
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29-Jun-2007
Jeff Schultz
(AP)
When the Atlanta Rockets called a press conference, many in the media thought GM Jason Supnet was going to talk about his latest draft picks from the draft. Boy was that farther from the truth.
As the GM entered the room, the look of frustration was evident in his face. "Well guys, I sure you want to talk about my reasoning for picking up Logan MacMillan (27th overall) and Nick Spaling (57th overall)," says GM Supnet. "But, I'm not in the mood to talk about the future. I want to talk about the hear and now."
And so begins the tirade...
"Quite frankly I'm am absolutely appalled with my team's performance in the playoffs," stated the very disgruntled GM. "After coming back from 3-1 in the first round to win the series in 7 (against the Renegades), I thought for sure our team was destined for greatness. And sure enough, this team makes it all the way to the finals with ease. Then, against the Moose, it happened. Not to take anything away from the Moose, but we folded like a cheap suit. I couldn't believe how we got mowed over like we did. Absolutely no one showed up to play. It seems to me that our players started reading their own headlines about how we could be the next dynasty. In all my years in running a hockey team, I've never been so embarrassed."
Although he was right about the Rockets play, this was their first ever playoff appearance so some leeway should be given. However, GM Jason Supnet was having none of that idea.
"First time in the playoffs?.. Playoffs?.. That means nothing to me right now. Yes, our fans were given quite a show during this playoff run, but they deserve better. Our players were embarrassed and now they have to live with that for the whole summer. My hope is that our core players realize what they need to do to be successful and bring it next season."
GM Supnet continues. "Well to start this team off next season, I traded Martin Biron to the Phantoms for Ryan Kesler. Marty wasn't happy about playing second fiddle to Ray Emery so I gave him his wish. In Kesler, we get another speedy, 2-way forward who can play both the middle and the wing. My hope is that he can fill either the 3rd or 4th line so that Evgeni Malkin can shift over to wing. Plus with him joining Malkin, Lombardi, and the Staal brothers, our center position is pretty strong, and young."
"I just hope that we show enough heart next year and take what belongs to us, and not wait for the cup to be handed to us."
And with that, he leaves the room like a madman. Obviously strong words from the Rockets GM. This reporter hope the players listen to his every word because if they give the effort he expects, then heads will roll.
Rockets Notes: With the addition of Kesler, look for the Rockets to try to shore up their defencemen core. Also, with Biron's salary off their books, the Rockets look to have enough money under the cap to sign restricted free agents Eric Staal and Scott Hartnell. With his latest tirade, you can pretty much assume the Rockets will be active in the UFA market.
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