Flyers GM: Peter Laviolette's job is safe

Peter Laviolette has come under fire from fans and media during the Flyers' disappointing 2013 showing. (Andy Marlin/NHL/Getty Images)

Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren had a message for Philly fans and media members who think coach Peter Laviolette should be on the hot seat for the team's disappointing 2013 season:

“I don’t think so,” Holmgren told CSNPhilly.com. "The coaches have done a good job. Right now, our team needs to play better. We’re making a lot of mistakes. A lot from our lack of competitiveness. Our team needs to compete better. I don't like the way we're playing right now, but I don't necessarily blame that on the coach.”

And Holmgren doesn't expect his position to change even if the Flyers (12-15-1, 25 points) continue to play poorly enough to anchor the bottom of the Atlantic Division.

 “I haven't even thought about it. You guys keep asking these questions about the coach and it hasn't even entered my mind.”

Holmgren believes the blame falls on the players, not the coach, when it comes to losing battles for picks and poor positioning.

 “They’re the ones on the ice,” he said. “I don’t think we can let the players off the hook here."