The early portion of the season can offer some ridiculous stats and trends, as each team sees its numbers reach incredible highs or lows due to a small sample size.
Since we're nearly a month into this season's schedule, let's take a look at some of the worst stats to come about so far.
Islanders' power play
Head coach Doug Weight might want to consider his options next time his club gets a man advantage, as the Islanders appear better suited to playing at even strength.
In 33 power-play opportunities, the Isles have converted only twice for a success rate of six percent (!). That stat is even more damning considering they've already allowed five shorthanded goals.
With a No. 1 unit that features John Tavares, Jordan Eberle, and Anders Lee, a negative goal differential on the power play is simply dumbfounding.
Sabres' blue line
(Photo Courtesy: Action Images)
So, how about that new and improved Sabres defensive corps?
Buffalo's No. 1 priority in the offseason was to upgrade its woeful blue line, and so far, the multiple additions they made, along with the pre-existing core, haven't produced a single goal from the back end.
The Sabres generally have trouble scoring, but for an entire defensive unit to be blanked through 11 games doesn't make a lick of sense. Add in the fact that Hall of Fame defenseman Phil Housley - who scored 338 goals himself - was brought in as head coach, and Buffalo's production issues become even more difficult to comprehend.
Coyotes' save percentage
It's difficult to find a place to start when dissecting the beleaguered 0-9-1 Coyotes' stats page, but perhaps the most heinous numbers come from between the pipes.
Through 10 games, Arizona goaltenders have combined for a save percentage of .863 in all situations, according to Corsica, which is easily the worst mark in the league.
It certainly doesn't help that starter Antti Raanta hit the shelf, but replacements Louis Domingue and Adin Hill have only mustered save percentages of .858 and .880, respectively, in his absence. Woof.
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