"Starting this year, we were all so optimistic going in," Scott said. "You look at where we were on March 1st (with a record of 11-4-3). I think we were No. 1 in the East, highest points percentage. And, then, to get knocked out of the playoff by the Devils on April 29.... it's just not an acceptable level of performance, period."
Scott said that he recognizes and shares in the disappointment and downright anger that Flyers fans feel for the team to go backwards not only in its record but in virtually every major underlying category that goes into shaping wins and losses. The team failed to win even back-to-back games from March onward. The Comcast Spectacor chairman and Flyers governor said that both Fletcher and Vigneault feel the same way, as do the players.
"Where we sit, I can't help but feel for our fans. I've talked about this publicly. They deserve so much more. The city of Philadelphia deserves so much more. We deserve a winning hockey team," Scott said.
Along with Vigneault and Fletcher, Scott said the team cumulatively struggled, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, to adapt to the demands of the 2020-21 season.
This included an abbreviated training camp, the lack of a preseason schedule, sparse practice opportunities during the season, an internal COVID-19 virus outbreak that had six NHL roster regulars test positive within a week, and the day-to-day lifestyle adjustments required to play a 56-game season in the span of 117 days. Every team was, more or less in the same boat, and some had more extensive outbreaks than the Flyers. But some adapted to their situations well this season, and others did not. The Flyers were in the latter group. There are also roster needs that must be addressed in the offseason.
Scott said that his expectation is for Fletcher and Vigneault, after taking some time to regroup and evaluate the roster composition and needed areas of on-ice and player personnel management adjustments, to move forward and have a productive offseason.
" At this point, the season is over and we're picking up our heads. I think Alain said it best, it's time to reflect a little bit about where we're going. Certainly we have the resources to put something pretty good together this summer. We have the time. Not easy in a cap world, but I'm confident that Chuck will be creative. We'll figure a way to improve as we look to the next season," Scott said.
"We talk every day and talk about the challenges and what we need to do about it. I think AV said it a couple times during his conference that we're all looking to normalcy, kind of a full 82 game season. I think it's going to make a big difference. I think we know what we need to do and I think you'll see we'll take the right action."
Scott said that he's well aware that, after the severe backslide this season following significant across-the-board improvements in 2019-20, this year's offseason is absolutely vital in shaping not only the prospective for redemption in 2021-22 but also the long-term direction of the team for several seasons to come.
"It's a new day now. I think we'll pick up our heads and lean in. Make some adjustments and look forward to the next season," Scott said. "We have to get it right."
