Carolina Hurricanes 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 Carolina Hurricanes.

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1. Shot attempts

The Carolina Hurricanes had a 3,222-2,709 advantage in 5-on-5 shot attempts last season, an SAT differential of plus-513 and SAT percentage of 54.3 percent, each of which ranked third in the NHL. Their strong possession metrics were reinforced by starting 52.3 percent of 5-on-5 shifts in the offensive zone. Carolina's success in SAT is impressive considering defenseman Dougie Hamilton, who had a plus-243 SAT differential (tied for third on Carolina), missed 21 games because of a broken fibula. With Hamilton healthy, it's reasonable to suggest the Hurricanes will be among the NHL leaders in puck possession again.

2. Petr Mrazek's save percentage

Mrazek had a .905 save percentage last season, tied with Marc-Andre Fleury of the Vegas Golden Knights for 16th in the NHL among the 22 goalies to play at least 40 games. That contributed to the Hurricanes having a 5-on-5 save percentage of .912, tied for 25th with the Edmonton Oilers, Golden Knights and Toronto Maple Leafs. It's encouraging that Mrazek performed better in the postseason, when he had a .929 save percentage in five games, so if he can replicate that performance during the regular season, Carolina should improve in that area.

3. Andrei Svechnikov's goals per 60

Svechnikov led the NHL with 2.37 goals per 60 minutes among skaters to play at least five postseason games last season. The forward scored three 5-on-5 goals in six postseason games while averaging 12:38 of ice time under the same parameters. Svechnikov's scoring also helped drive puck possession, where his SAT percentage of 51.2 percent was fifth among Carolina forwards behind Morgan Geekie (56.3 percent), Jordan Martinook (53.9 percent), Sebastian Aho (52.7 percent) and Martin Necas (52.6 percent). If Svechnikov's scoring pace carries over, he could be among the NHL leaders in 5-on-5 goals.