Buffalo Sabres key statistics

NHL.com is providing in-depth analysis for each of its 31 teams from Nov. 16-Dec. 16. Today, three key statistics for the Buffalo Sabres.

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1. Linus Ullmark's even-strength save percentage

Ullmark was tied for sixth in the NHL last season among goalies who played at least 30 games in even-strength save percentage (.926). Ullmark's performance was impressive considering the Sabres were tied with the New Jersey Devils for 25th in points percentage (.493). Buffalo was 11th in the League in 5-on-5 save percentage (92.2 percent), and each team that finished higher in that statistic participated in the Stanley Cup Qualifiers. Ullmark split time with Carter Hutton last season, but he may give the Sabres the best chance to win should he emerge as their No. 1 goalie.

2. Victor Olofsson's power-play goals

Olofsson led NHL rookies with 11 power-play goals last season, the most by a rookie since forward Bobby Ryan scored 12 for the Anaheim Ducks in 2008-09, despite missing 15 games because of a lower-body injury. Olofsson, who was seventh among NHL rookies who played at least 25 games in power-play goals per 60 minutes (3.68), could be among the League leaders in power-play goals this season if the forward stays healthy.

3. Penalty-kill percentage

The Sabres penalty kill was 30th in the NHL last season at 74.6 percent, just better than the Detroit Red Wings, who finished last at 74.3 percent. Ullmark was 41st out of 45 goalies who played at least 30 games with an .838 save percentage against opponents' power plays, and Hutton was 42nd (.836). In a move intended to improve their penalty kill, the Sabres signed forward Cody Eakin, who averaged 1:53 of shorthanded ice time in 49 games last season for the Winnipeg Jets and Vegas Golden Knights, to a two-year contract Oct. 21.