It took a few months for Hartnell to get settled in Philadelphia, but since Dec. 27 the former No. 1 pick (6th overall) for the Preds in 2000 has been on a tear for his new team, leading the Flyers to a 12-2-1 record since that time and into first place in the Atlantic Division.

Hartnell has 12 goals and dished out seven assists in the last 15 games, and that stunning figure includes two hat-tricks and six game winning goals. Last night, the 25-year old Hartnell scored the game winner against the L.A. Kings with 28.5 seconds left in overtime. He now has 17 goals, 14 assists and a plus/minus rating of +7 for the season.

I caught up with Hartnell after a recent Flyers game in Atlanta on a night he scored his 100th NHL goal.

"Every time you score you get that great feeling inside," Hartnell said about his 100th tally. "It’s a big milestone I guess. I forgot [about it] actually. I knew I was close to [my 100th] but I didn’t know about it until later."

I asked Scott about his adjustment to playing in Philadelphia and in the Eastern Conference.

"When you go to a new city it’s totally different. You don’t know where you’re going driving, and you have to get used to new guys, new systems and the coaches getting to know what you can do on the ice. It takes a little time to get adjusted, but the last 15-20 games I have felt more confident on the ice with the puck," Hartnell said.

"Guys are starting to pick up their games and we’ve got to give ourselves a little push here to get some separation from the rest of the pack," the seven-year NHL veteran said.
 
"I don’t mind traveling, it’s nice to be out with the guys, having dinners. With me being young and not having kids it makes it easier obviously. It’s a grind out here in the East even though your travel isn’t that hard and you’re not changing time zones that much."

But there is some difference between playing in the Eastern Conference and the Atlantic Division, according to Hartnell.

"You have to work for every inch [of space], whereas in the West there’s a little bit more skill I think and a lot more [scoring] chances. I’m loving it. Philly’s a great spot for me," he added. "No one is doing you any favors out here that’s for sure. The Islanders, Rangers, Devils they are all hard to play against."

The Flyers had the worst record in the league last season and already surpassed their win total from last season. In 2006-07, the Flyers won just 22 games, this year they have already won 28 times in 49 games. The Flyers lead the NHL in power play percentage, converting on 25.1 percent of their attempts. Hartnell has six goals and two assists on the power play since Dec. 27.

Certainly, the Flyers are thrilled that he is fully adjusted to his new team. It's too bad the budget crunch wouldn't permit David Poile to re-sign Hartnell last summer.