New York Islanders 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 New York Islanders.

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1. Shot attempts differential

The Islanders were 29th in shot attempts differential at minus-447 last season, out-attempted 3,418-2,971. They also struggled during the postseason, minus-106 (1,104-998), and were 22nd in SAT tied (minus-92). Defenseman Ryan Pulock was last on New York in SAT (minus-270), and the Islanders' only positive skater at the position was Devon Toews (plus-2), who was traded to the Colorado Avalanche on Oct. 12. Without Toews, the Islanders could rely more on defenseman Noah Dobson, who was second in SAT (minus-4) among their defensemen. Dobson averaged 12:19 of 5-on-5 time on ice per game, which was last among New York defensemen, but the Islanders could play him more to try to improve their puck-possession metrics.

2. Semyon Varlamov's even-strength save percentage

Varlamov was ninth in even-strength save percentage (.921) among NHL goalies to play at least 40 games last season. Varlamov and Thomas Greiss combined for a .923 5-on-5 save percentage, which was 10th in the NHL. Greiss, who had a .913 save percentage, signed a two-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings on Oct. 10. The Islanders could rely on rookie Ilya Sorokin, who had a .935 save percentage with CSKA Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League last season, to back up Varlamov, who could maintain his strong even-strength metrics if Sorokin is able to make an immediate impact and lessen the veteran's workload.

3. Power-play percentage

The Islanders were tied with the Nashville Predators for 24th in power-play percentage (17.3 percent). Forwards Mathew Barzal, Jordan Eberle and Brock Nelson each scored an Islanders-high four power-play goals, the fewest of any NHL team. To improve the power play, the Islanders could increase forward Josh Bailey's ice time. He was second to forward
Derick Brassard
(5.28) in power-play points per 60 (4.42) among Islanders to average at least 1:00 on the man-advantage per game. Despite the high production, Bailey was seventh among New York skaters in average power-play time on ice per game (1:48).