Columbus Blue Jackets 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 Columbus Blue Jackets.

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1. Elvis Merzlikins' even-strength save percentage

With the emergence of Merzlikins, the Blue Jackets should be among the NHL leaders in 5-on-5 save percentage this season. Columbus was fifth (.928) last season and first in the postseason (.952). Merzlikins was tied for sixth in even-strength save percentage (.926) last season with Corey Crawford of the Chicago Blackhawks (agreed to two-year contract with the New Jersey Devils on Oct. 9) and Linus Ullmark of the Buffalo Sabres among goalies to play at least 30 games. Joonas Korpisalo was tied for 20th (.920) with Carter Hart of the Philadelphia Flyers and Thomas Greiss of the New York Islanders (agreed to two-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings on Oct. 10). The Blue Jackets' goalies continued their success during the postseason, when Merzlikins was fourth (.954 in two games) and Korpisalo was ninth (.939 in nine games).

2. Max Domi's shot attempts differential

Columbus ranked 20th in shot attempts differential (minus-109) in the NHL during the regular season and 23rd (minus-151) in the postseason. Its puck-possession metrics need to improve to help support its strong goaltending. Domi, a forward acquired in a trade from the Montreal Canadiens on Oct. 6, had a plus-77 SAT last season and should help in that area.

3. Zach Werenski, Emil Bemstrom power-play points

Columbus was 27th in the NHL in power-play percentage (16.4 percent) last season and 22nd (8.8 percent) during the postseason. Werenski, a defenseman, scored 13 power-play points to lead the Blue Jackets in the regular season and was tied for first with Bemstrom with five power-play goals. Despite Bemstrom's success in his first NHL season, the forward ranked 12th for Columbus in average power-play time on ice per game (1:21). He led the Blue Jackets in power-play goals per 60 minutes (3.97) and could see additional ice time with the man-advantage this season.