New prospect Carey is Hobey Baker finalist for 2nd year in a row

Less is more

It’s always an asset to roll all four forward lines as much as possible, especially at this time of the season, when the schedule is busy and rest is rare.

But Monday’s come-from-behind win in Los Angeles over the Kings wasn’t the first time coach Dave Tippett has shortened his bench in the third period in search of an important goal.

Considering that the tactic produced the gamewinning goal, it’s a strategy the Coyotes aren’t afraid to use regardless of how taxing it is on the players.

“We went down to three lines, and three lines that we felt were hard players and hard going to the net,” Tippett said. “We found the result we wanted. Every game is different. You have a player that happens to be having a real strong game, or somebody who maybe isn’t playing as well drops out.

“That’s game management that goes on all the time. It comes down to finding ways to win.”

Not much probably tops signing a professional hockey contract, but a day after inking a deal with the Coyotes, forward Greg Carey was honored as a Hobey Baker Award finalist. Talk about a couple of memorable days. “It’s pretty exciting,” Carey said. “I’m completely thrilled to be chasing my dream of playing professional hockey. It’s also really nice and great for me and St. Lawrence University to be named a Hobey Baker finalist again.” Yes, again. Carey’s success last season not only enabled him to become the first junior in school history to be recognized as one of the NCAA’s top hockey players; it also planted him on the Coyotes’ radar. They were eventually able to lasso the prized college free agent Wednesday with a one-year entry-level deal. He’ll report to the team’s American Hockey League affiliate.

“They don’t cost you a draft pick,” Assistant General Manager Brad Treliving said. “You don’t have to trade anything. It’s a swing at the plate here, and we think he’s got some goal-scoring ability. He’s a guy that’s a competitive player, and we’re going to get him into Portland and see where he goes from there.”

Carey racked up 18 goals and 57 points in 38 games this season. His 39 assists pace the country, (cq) and he ranks second in points. Last season, Carey led the nation in goals (28) and power-play goals (14).

“He’s an offensive producer wherever he’s gone his whole career,” Treliving said. “He’s got an excellent release, excellent shot. Again, the question is always going to be, how does it translate?”

With those credentials, Carey was obviously a sought-after player. He settled on the Coyotes because of the opportunity they presented, which starts immediately with a spot in Portland’s lineup.

“They were kind of chasing after me pretty hard,” Carey said. “I’m really excited. I want to take the success of my college career, my final season, and hopefully continue it in Portland for the end of this year.”

Schlemko update

Defenseman David Schlemko missed a seventh straight game Thursday with a lower-body injury after blocking a shot with his left foot March 6 against Montreal.

“Still not on skates,” Tippett said. “Still off ice. He’s not in the day-to-day plans right now.”