We're all waiting with bated breath to see if the Flyers can continue their sensational run through the end of the season and clinch that elusive playoff berth, but several players will also be collecting some awards along the way.
Each season, the Flyers hand out a series of awards to end the season, and this year will be no exception. Here is who we think will win each of the six team awards.
(Note that while we're dedicated to covering every aspect of Flyers hockey, we don't vote on these officially!)
The Bobby Clarke Award for Team MVP: Dan Vladar
While Trevor Zegras and Owen Tippett could have cases made for them, the single most important player to the Flyers this season is Dan Vladar. For a team with historic goaltending inconsistency, Vladar has, at least for one season, managed to secure the net while having his most successful season.
Vladar set career marks in games started, wins, quality starts, save percentage, and penalty minutes. The Czech netminder was given the chance to be a starter outright and fully embraced the role. His ability in net has given the Flyers a chance to win the vast majority of times he's played.
This award is picked by the Flyers sportswriters and casters
The Barry Ashbee Award for Most Outstanding Defenseman: Travis Sanheim
Thinking this was going to be Jamie Drysdale? We'll get to him later. This award is also selected courtesy of the sportswriters and sportscasters.
Sanheim might just become a four-time winner of the award, and he'd be deserving. The anchor of the defense, Sanheim plays in all situations, has scored the 2nd most points in his career, and is at a career-best +/- mark.
That's how this award usually goes. Drysdale could very well sneak up and win it since Sanheim has won the last 3 out of 4 years, and had he played a full season, it's totally possible Rasmus Ristolainen could be in play as well.
Pelle Lindbergh Memorial Trophy for Most Improved Player: Jamie Drysdale
This award is voted on by the players themselves, so it is very much a locker room pulse award as well. Owen Tippett could also be a fit here, perhaps Christian Dvorak, or Noah Cates, but Drysdale is the name that sticks out.
He's tied career numbers for points, etched a top mark for goals in a season, and has caught the eye of writers, fans, and teammates alike. He's on the ice in every situation and has become highly reliable in all three zones. He's shown out in a contract year and should be a big piece of the Flyers' long-term future.
Yanick Dupre Class Guy Award - Sean Couturier
The Philadelphia section of the PHWA selects this award and it makes total sense to give it to Couturier.
The Flyers captain hasn't had a remarkable season, but has handled his 4th line demotion with pure class, and has even begun to flourish in the role. All the while he's been available to the media and been a model captain.
Gene Hart Memorial Award - Owen Tippett
The Philadelphia Flyers Fan Club hands this one out, and it seems like Tippett is the obvious choice. Guys like Nick Seeler could also get a nod here, but Tippett has been the Flyers engine in a lot of cases. He drives play, has racked up hits and leads the team in goals.
If there was a stat for "right way to play," Tippett might lead the team, and is due some type of recognition. Maybe it'll be here.
Flyers Alumni Community Leadership Award - Garnet Hathaway
A pest on the ice, Hathawy is a great guy off of it. He won this award last season and is this season's King Clancy nominee for the Flyers. If you need to be convinced, check out the video below.
Those are our would be award winners, we'll see how they hold up against the actual list soon!