I’ve gone back and forth on Peter Laviolette and whether he should remain the Flyers head coach for next season and beyond. For one, he’s infuriated me with his handling of Sean Couturier. How is a 20 year-old, who’s exceptional defensively but also has obvious offensive skills, supposed to properly develop with limited ice time and bottom-six grinders/fringe NHLers/bums flanking him on the wings? It’s not a coincidence that the Flyers went on their only winning streak of the season a few weeks ago when Couturier was getting substantial minutes with the top-six. Is there something going on behind the scenes with Laviolette and Couturier that’s influencing this bewildering allotment of ice time? Checking Couturier’s game log, the line of demarcation for the major dip in ice time is the end of February. In his first 20 games, Couturier played under 16:21 just three times. In his 20 games since, he has eclipsed 16:21 a grand total of ZERO times. Granted, there are three examples of 16:09, 16:17 and 16:16 (the latter two coming in the two most recent games). But still, you understand my point. So, what’s the explanation? Young players are going to make mistakes, and Sean hasn’t been perfect this season, but what about letting him play through those struggles? Especially once injuries started to mount. I don’t get it, nobody does. Well, except for those closest to the team (maybe), and I guess we’re supposed to give them the benefit of the doubt. Or something.

This dumpster fire of a strike-shortened season is certainly not all on Laviolette, as Paul Holmgren shares a healthy portion of the blame for his faulty roster construction and lack of viable Plan B — save for trading for Luke Schenn — after the Parise/Suter/Weber attempts didn’t work out. I don’t think Laviolette was equipped with a roster that catered to his preferred style of play, seeing as how something like one, perhaps two of the regular defensemen who started out the season on the roster could competently skate the puck out of his own zone. But isn’t part of being a good coach the ability to adjust to your personnel? Yes, Paul Holmgren gave something resembling an endorsement, if you want to call it that, of Laviolette yesterday when asked about the coach’s job security, but if you put any stock in that answer (and plenty of media lackeys did), I have a bridge to sell you. If you pay attention to the rumblings and rumors, the organization feels Laviolette has lost the locker room and that the team lacks structure and discipline. What I want to know: Did the team NOT lack structure and discipline last season? The Penguins were foolish and played right into the Flyers’ hands, but everyone remembers the embarrassing collapse against the Devils, right? Remember, this is a team that still can’t beat defensively-responsible teams that play smart hockey and effectively suffocate the neutral zone while taking away the forwards’ space to operate. It’s the reason Laviolette’s Flyers teams the past two seasons haven’t been able to beat the Devils or Rangers (5-21-1 and counting). Hell, last month they beat the Bruins for what, just the second time since the epic 2010 playoff series? Is it personnel? Is it coaching? As is typically the case, the answer is “both” and/or “somewhere in the middle.” Verdict: While I’ve soured on Laviolette this season, I don’t think it’s completely ill-advised to give him into next season to right the ship. If the Flyers are still sputtering and rudderless with similar plaguing issues in January/February, he’ll be fired and, for better or worse, Terry Murray will likely get the chance to replace him.

Tonight’s game is against the Rangers, which means it’s pretty much an automatic loss. Steve Mason will get the start and make his home debut.

Eric Hartline-US PRESSWIRE

If (hopefully when) this season gets rolling the Flyers will no doubt hand out their team awards as they do at the conclusion of every season. Below are my predictions on the upcoming end of season awards. These predictions arise out of boredom with the NHL and the NHLPA’s square dance. They are based off of last season’s performances along with some measure of predictions to how their play will be this upcoming season.

Bobby Clarke Trophy (Team MVP)

Claude Giroux

I can see the best player on the team being the best player on the team again next season. I believe the 92 point season he put on display for us last season is a pattern he will keep up for plenty more years. His leadership role grew by leaps and bounds last season. He is well on his way to becoming a perennial Bobby Clarke trophy winner.

Barry Ashbee Trophy (Outstanding Defensemen)

Braydon Coburn

This is a tough call. Real tough call. Although my pick is not someone completely out of the box there will no doubt be many detractors from this idea. I believe this is the year Braydon Coburn steps up for 82 games plus the playoffs. During the season he will make his presence felt though by anchoring the Flyers D. I think he will be physical all year long and he will also be a boost for the team offensively from the blue line. Most importantly though I think he will be a rock defensively.

Pelle Lindbergh Memorial Trophy (Most Improved Player)

Luke Schenn

All of Luke Schenn’s problems he had in Toronto will be forgotten and he will mesh well with the veteran defensemen on our blueline. I think he is going to have a great bounce back season. I do not expect him to lead the D in points or blocks or any category,  but I think he will play solid defensively and play a part on the powerplay.

Yanick Dupre Class Guy Memorial Award

Max Talbot

Talbot has a lock on this net year. He is a hit with the media (the writers pick these awards) and is a great ambassador for the game itself. Jagr, who was the media’s darling last year, won this award at the end of last season. Talbot has the same type of personality and is very friendly to the media.

Gene Hart Memorial Award (Most Heart)

Scott Hartnell

It will most likely come down to last year’s winner Wayne Simmonds and Scott Hartnell. The Wayne Train will have another great season, but I think Hartsy edges him because he has grit and will also pot almost 40 again. Simmer will probably end up with 25 or so. Hartnell is a fan’s dream because he is edgy and can finish. Playing on a line with G doesn’t hurt either. He has one of the league’s elite passers on his line and he takes full advantage of it. The fans love him and since this award is voted on by the Flyers fan club I say he’s got the inside track.

Toyota Cup

Claude Giroux

He’s a red hot point producer entering the prime of his career. He will continue to put up big numbers and easily lead the team in points again next season.

-John LaMarra

@popesnipes77

February 9, 2012; Philadelphia, PA USA; Philadelphia Flyers Philadelphia Flyers center Claude Giroux (28) and defenseman Kimmo Timonen (44) celebrate win over the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The Flyers defeated the Maple Leafs, 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-US PRESSWIRE

While the NHL and the Players Association continue to work to get a labor deal completed, some members of the Flyers organization are strongly considering a move overseas in case of a lockout.

According to Teemu H. (@euroflyers) (who spoke with the team’s GM), Scott Hartnell is considering a move to join KalPa, a team based out of Kuopio, Finland. Hartsy, who recently signed a six year extension with the Flyers, is part owner of KalPa, so a move there during an impending lockout would make plenty of sense. The team plays in the Sm-Iiiga, the top hockey league in Finland. Notable members of the Finnish squad founded in 1929 are former Flyer and also co-owner Sami Kapanen, and Jussi Timonen, brother of Kimmo and one time Flyer.

When asked about the possibility of Kimmo Timonen (also the team’s co-owner), KalPa’s GM believed it would be unlikely as he is still recovering from offseason back surgery.

Teemu has also learned that former Flyer Oskars Bartulis has signed a one year deal HC Donbass based out of Ukraine, and is the only Ukrainian team in the KHL. The deal is pending a physical.