Philadelphia, PA

Chemistry is a funny thing. It's taken the Philadelphia Eagles and its myriad of new parts and schemes about a half-season to come together.

The new look Flyers, who were redesigned during an off-season purge have gelled quickly. Not only is there camraderie in the locker room, new additions Jaromir Jagr, Wayne Simmonds and Max Talbot are clicking on the ice with their new teammates.

"It's great to be here," Simmonds said. "It's been that way since day one. It was a good fit since I arrived."

No one has a bigger smile this season than Jagr. The future Hall of Famer, who spent the last three seasons in Russia, is ecstatic about his new team. The physical fitness maniac, who looks much younger than his 39 years, is so thrilled about playing with the dynamic Claude Giroux, that he calls his new linemate "a little Mario Lemieux."

"That's about as big a complement that I can give to anyone," Jagr said. "But he is a special player. It's great to be out there with him."

Gritty winger Scott Hartnell smiled when asked what it's like to be on a turbo-charged line with Jagr and Girioux. "Playing with two superstars like that is nice for me," Hartnell said. "I think we complement ourselves well and we're scoring goals."

Their line was certainly clicking against the Carolina Hurricanes, who the Flyers beat Saturday night 5-1. Jagr had two goals. Giroux and Hartnell each found the back of the net.

"We're going to have some opportunities and it's our job to make the best of those chances," Hartnell said. "It's early for us and it's early in the season. I think it's only going to get better the more we play with each other."

James van Riemsdyk is pleased with the new look Flyers, who shed captain Mike Richards and long-time leading goal scorer Jeff Carter in the off-season.

"There is a lot to like this season," van Riemsdyk said. "The new guys and the guys, who have been here have connected. It's going to be interesting since it's still so early. We're going to be even more connected mid-season. I'm encouraged by how it's gone so far. You really got to like what that (top) line has done."

Coach Peter Laviolette has noticed how well the Jagr, Girioux and Hartnell line is playing. "They seem to have some chemistry out there," Laviolette said. "Hartnell is really playing well. Jagr has been impressive since he's been here and Claude has been outstanding."

Giroux has eight goals and 15 points. Hartnell and Jagr have 11 points each.

"We're having fun out there," Girioux said. "It's a good mix with our line and it's also a good mix with the team. I like where we are at this point."

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