New York Rangers 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 Rangers.

Rangers 31 IN 31: [Season preview | 3 Questions | Top prospects | Fantasy breakdown]

1. Mika Zibanejad's goals per 60

Zibanejad averaged 1.43 5-on-5 goals per 60 minutes last season, which was tied for seventh with Andre Burakovsky of the Colorado Avalanche among those to play at least 40 games. The center scored an NHL career-high 41 goals in 57 games, which was fifth in the NHL behind David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins (48), Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals (48), Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs (47) and Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers (43). Zibanejad scored 15 power-play goals, which was third behind Pastrnak (20) and Draisaitl (16). The Rangers were seventh on the power play last season at 22.9 percent, and Zibanejad could maintain his elite scoring pace if their success on the man-advantage carries into this season.

2. Artemi Panarin's points per 60

Panarin averaged 3.28 5-on-5 points per 60 minutes, second in the NHL behind Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins (3.46). The forward scored 95 points (32 goals, 63 assists) in 69 games, which was tied for third with Pastrnak, behind Draisaitl (110) and Connor McDavid (97) of the Oilers. Panarin's 71 even-strength points led the NHL. He was tied for 17th in power-play points (24) with Malkin, Mitchell Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins of the Oilers. Panarin could maintain his high scoring totals with additional power-play points.

3. Shot attempts percentage

Despite finishing fifth in the NHL with an average of 3.33 goals per game, the Rangers were 28th in shot attempts percentage at 46.7 percent after being out-attempted 3,391-2,973. This style of play could impact goalie Igor Shesterkin, who is expected to be the starter after Henrik Lundqvist signed a one-year contract with the Capitals on Oct. 9. Shesterkin was fourth in even-strength save percentage (.935), behind Anton Khudobin of the Dallas Stars (.945), Chris Driedger of the Florida Panthers (.944) and Tuukka Rask of the Boston Bruins (.939) among those to play at least 10 games. Shesterkin performed well in his first NHL season but could be challenged facing a high shot volume over a longer sample size. The Rangers traded defenseman Marc Staal to the Detroit Red Wings on Sept. 26, which could help their SAT percentage. Staal was 20th among Rangers skaters with a 43.0 percent SAT percentage and his departure could lead to an opportunity for another defenseman who could generate more shot attempts.