Berg Is Finally Making a Big Impact

Defenseman Aki Berg, a disappointment at the start of the season, has given the Kings added toughness since being recalled from the minors Jan. 6.

Berg, who will not turn 20 until Aug. 28, is starting to use his 6-foot-3, 205-pound body more. In the Kings’ 5-3 victory over Hartford on Thursday, Berg was penalized for high-sticking and slashing, and brought the Forum crowd to its feet with a crushing body check on Adam Burt in the first period.

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In 206 power plays this season, the Kings have scored only 25 goals, including a 0-for-7 effort against the Whalers. The Kings not only have had trouble scoring, but Hartford winger Paul Ranheim’s score in the third period was the 10th short-handed goal the Kings have given up.