Breaking Down the Most Intriguing Statistics in the 2015-16 NHL Season

Every season offers fans shocking spikes in performances and pushes the boundaries of the record book. In some cases, early heroics imply all-time seasons are possible, but there is still a long way to go.

Impressive offense from forwards and defense, brilliant goaltending and five-on-five scoring are all part of a fascinating year so far.

Here are six intriguing statistics worth looking at so far in the 2015-16 season.

6. Leon Draisaitl and His Even-Strength Scoring

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What is the Statistic in Question?

Leon Draisaitl is among the league-leaders in five-on-five points-per-60, one of the more difficult stats to dominate. Fans routinely see only the very best players in the league at the top of the chart. 

What is His Established Level?

Draisaitl is in his second NHL season, so there is no established level. Based on his junior numbers, fans should expect a substantial offensive talent but these numbers are elite-level. 

Where Will He Finish?

A hot streak to start the season is not unusual, but Draisaitl plays on a line with Taylor Hall and that should mean a lot of chances every game. It is unlikely he can stay at his current levels, but this is a player to watch and the offense is legitimate.

5. Alexander Ovechkin to Miss Out on Another 50-Goal Season?

Frank Franklin II/Associated Press

What is the Statistic in Question? 

Alexander Ovechkin is scoring at one-half a goal per game so far this season. That means he may not score 50 goals this year.

What is His Established Level?

Ovechkin has scored 51 and 53 goals, respectively, in the last two seasons and 32 goals in 48 games during the shortened 2012-13 campaign.

Where Will He Finish?

Betting against him is unwise, as the big Russian is one of the greatest scorers in the game and continues at a staggering clip as he passes 30.

4. Will Justin Faulk Set the Record for Power-Play Goals by a Defenseman?

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What is the Statistic in Question?

Justin Faulk is off to an amazing start with nine power-play goals.

What is His Established Level?

Faulk's career high previous to this year is seven, and the all-time record belongs to Sheldon Souray with 19 in 2006-07. 

Where Will He Finish?

Souray's record is in danger based on Faulk's impressive total early in the year. If he can maintain current pace, Faulk will go into the record books in an extremely difficult category.

3. Will Henrik Lundqvist Break the Single-Season Save Percentage Record?

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What is the Statistic in Question?

Henrik Lundqvist is off to another incredible start, and his save percentage so far is .938, No. 1 in the NHL. 

What is His Established Level?

Lundqvist's career save percentage is .921, indicating his exceptional quality. The record is .940, set by Brian Elliott in 2011-12. 

Where Will He Finish?

New York is a strong team and Lundqvist churns out great seasons with more consistency than any modern goalie. He is the most likely goalie to break the record and he has an excellent chance to do it this season.

2. Will Erik Karlsson Hit 100 Points?

Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

What is the Statistic in Question?

Erik Karlsson has scored 32 points in 27 games, and that puts him on a collision course with 100 points this year—as shown via The Hockey News. 

What is His Established Level?

Karlsson has a career high of 78 points and has scored 74 and 66 points, respectively, in the last two seasons. He has established himself as an elite offensive player. 

Where Will He Finish?

Not many defensemen have scored 100 points in an NHL season—it has been done only 14 times in the game's history. Karlsson is a special player, and if he reaches this mark it will be a memorable moment.

1. Patrick Kane on Pace for 125 Points This Season

Kamil Krzaczynski/Associated Press

What is the Statistic in Question?

Patrick Kane is on track to have an enormous offensive season. The Hockey News—which projects all players over the season based on current stats—suggests he could exceed 125 points in 2015-16.

What is His Established Level?

His career high is 88 points, and Kane is averaging about a point per game as an NHL player.

Where Will He Finish?

It appears likely that Kane will exceed 100 points based on his current pace. The new rules, like three-on-three overtime, clearly agree with the brilliant Blackhawks' forward.