Karalahti Learns From Experience

Defenseman Jere Karalahti played his second NHL game Sunday night, much chastened after playing his first.

Karalahti, an offensive defenseman, was more offensive than he needed to be Dec. 11 at Montreal, and as a result was caught out of position on more than one play.

For one of those, the Canadiens’ Martin Rucinsky ended up with a penalty shot when the Kings’ Mattias Norstrom had to come from across the ice to drag him down.

“I had to learn that first is defense,” said Karalahti, a Finn with a strong shot. “I learned no mistakes, to keep it simple.”

He also learned that things happen more quickly in the NHL than in any other hockey in the world.

“It’s faster than in the world championships,” said Karalahti, who played for Finland in that tournament. “It’s the fastest league.”

He was partnered with Sean O’Donnell on Sunday night, replacing injured Aki Berg. That meant O’Donnell found himself on the left side of the ice, rather than his more accustomed right side.

O’Donnell also found himself looking out for his new, less-experienced partner, but only on a limited basis.

“He’s a professional too,” O’Donnell said. “ 1/8The mistakes at Montreal 3/8 might have been because he’s used to a different system.

“I can talk to him, but I have my own job to do.”

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Berg’s injury, suffered in Wednesday night’s game at San Jose, was first believed to be to his hip, but further examination showed that it was a rib problem. Still, he believed two days off was enough to recuperate. That changed Sunday morning, when he tried to skate at Iceoplex and learned he would not be able to play.

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To accommodate Karalahti’s roster spot, winger Brad Chartrand was put on injured reserve, retroactive to Dec. 19, because of a groin strain. He is eligible to come off for Wednesday’s game at Colorado. . . . Phoenix winger Keith Tkachuk, second on the team in scoring with 16 goals and 30 points, was scratched after developing back spasms during warmups.

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Coyote winger Greg Adams played Sunday night against the Kings after deciding to postpone surgery for a deviated septum on Christmas Eve. The surgery is expected to keep him out four weeks, but Adams, who is divorced, opted to bypass his appointment because this is his year to have his children join him for the holiday. Adams is expected to have the operation either later this week or just after New Year’s Day.