Understanding Good Save Percentage in Hockey
In hockey, a goalie’s save percentage is a vital statistic that reflects their efficiency in stopping the puck from scoring. To calculate this percentage, you take the total number of saves a goalie makes and divide it by the number of shots they face, then multiply the result by 100.
This number gives a clear picture of a goalie’s performance. Generally, a higher save percentage is desirable and shows that a goalie is doing a great job in protecting the net. This metric is significant for gauging the abilities of goalies across all levels, from amateurs to professionals in leagues like the NHL
Explaining Save Percentage in Hockey
Basics and Method for Calculating Save Percentage
Save percentage is determined by the equation: Save Percentage = (Saves) / (Shots against) x 100. This metric gauges a goalie’s proficiency in blocking attempts on goal. It’s important to consider the scenarios of the shots a goalie deals with; for instance, a goalie might show a lesser save percentage even with good performance if they encounter numerous challenging scoring opportunities.
Understanding Save Percentage
In professional leagues such as the NHL, save percentages usually fall between .900 and .930. A save percentage higher than .915 is typically viewed as outstanding, whereas a figure below .900 is considered poor. Factors like the difficulty of shots and the team’s defensive capabilities significantly influence the interpretation of this statistic.
Understanding Goalkeeper Efficiency
Save percentage represents the proportion of shots a hockey goalie successfully blocks. It’s calculated by dividing the number of saves a goalie makes by the total shots they face.
Here’s how it works with examples from one game:
| Player | Saves | Shots Against | Save Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carey Price | 30 | 30 | 1.000 |
| Hendrik Lundqvist | 23 | 25 | 0.920 |
| Marc-Andre Fleury | 21 | 27 | 0.778 |
- Carey Price achieved a shutout by blocking all incoming shots.
- Hendrik Lundqvist had a strong performance, missing only two shots for a save percentage of 0.920.
- Marc-Andre Fleury faced challenges, missing six shots, which resulted in a save percentage of 0.778.
While individual games can show how well a goalie performed, sports are unpredictable. Evaluating goalies requires looking at their performance over many games to understand their overall effectiveness.
Factors Affecting Goalkeeper’s Save Percentage in Hockey
Performance Benchmarks Across Hockey Levels
- NHL/AHL/ECHL: .900 (Average), .915 (Good), >.925 (Excellent)
- Junior/College Hockey: .890 (Average), .910 (Good), >.920 (Excellent)
- Youth Hockey: .870 (Average), .890 (Good), >.900 (Excellent)
Team Defense Impact
The save percentage of a goalkeeper is greatly enhanced by strong team defense. Good defensive tactics lessen the chances of the opponent getting high-quality shots. This support makes it simpler for the goalkeeper to achieve and maintain a high save percentage. Keeping the puck away from dangerous areas is key for goalkeepers.
Goalkeeper Proficiency
The skill level of a goalkeeper, which includes their ability to position themselves, their reflexes, and their puck tracking ability, has a direct effect on their save percentage. Goalkeepers with higher skills can better anticipate and react to incoming shots, improving their performance. The best goalkeepers excel in understanding the game flow and positioning strategically to block shots more effectively.
Top NHL Goalie Performances in 2018-2019
This table highlights the goalkeepers with the best save percentages in the NHL for the season of 2018-2019. The save percentage measures the proportion of shots on goal that a goalie successfully stops. It’s an important statistic for evaluating a goalie’s effectiveness.
- Ben Bishop of Dallas had the highest save percentage at 0.934 and a goals against average (GAA) of 1.98, making him the top goalie of the season.
- Robin Lehner from the New York Islanders achieved a save percentage of 0.932 with a GAA of 2.13, placing him second.
- Jack Campbell from Los Angeles recorded a save percentage of 0.928 and a GAA of 2.30.
- Thomas Greiss, also from the New York Islanders, matched Campbell’s performance in terms of save percentage with 0.927 but had a slightly lower GAA of 2.28.
- Jordan Binnington of St. Louis also logged a save percentage of 0.927, but his GAA of 1.89 was among the best, showcasing his significant impact in games.
Understanding Save Percentage in Hockey
Introduction to Save Percentage
In hockey, a save percentage below .900 is considered subpar. While this figure might suggest a goalie’s performance is weak, it does not fully capture a team’s overall effectiveness or success. Generally, a save percentage under .905 is seen as poor, and teams with such goaltending stats rarely succeed in winning championships.
Lowest Seasonal Save Percentages in the NHL
The record for the lowest save percentage in the NHL for a recent season was .871, held by Spencer Martin of the Vancouver Canucks. It’s important to note that Martin was not the only goalie with a save percentage under .900 during that time.
Historical Lows in NHL Save Percentages
The historically lowest save percentage in the NHL, with a minimum of 250 games, is .867. This record is held by Doug Soetaert, who played 12 seasons in the league.
Current Leaders in NHL Save Percentages
Recently, Linus Ullmark of the Boston Bruins led the NHL with a save percentage of .938 for the 2022-23 season. Close behind was Filip Gustavson with a .931 percentage. These goalies are considered among the elite in the NHL.
All-Time Best Save Percentages in NHL History
Dominik Hasek and Ken Dryden are at the top when it comes to the best save percentages in NHL history. Hasek’s save percentage stands at .922 over 735 games, tying with Dryden, who played 397 games.
FAQ’s: Good Save Percentage in Hockey
Who holds the record for the highest save percentage in NHL history?
Dominik Hasek and Ken Dryden lead the list of all-time save percentage leaders in NHL history, both boasting a save percentage of .922. However, Hasek played significantly more games, appearing in 735 compared to Dryden’s 397.
What is the typical number of saves made by a goalie in an NHL game?
StatMuse reports that since the 1955-56 season, the average number of saves per game across 119,057 games stands at 25.03. For the latest NHL season, this average increased to 26.49 saves per game.
What is considered a poor save percentage in hockey?
A save percentage below .900 is deemed below average in hockey. Conversely, a save percentage above .920 is regarded as elite, often qualifying a goalie for the NHL All-Star Game.
What was the average save percentage in the NHL for the 2022-23 season?
The average save percentage for goalies in the NHL during the 2022-23 season was .904.
What defines a high danger save in hockey?
A high danger save in hockey is calculated based on saves made from shots taken within 29 feet of the center of the goal. This zone is defined by an imaginary line stretching from each faceoff dot to a point 2 feet outside the goalpost.
What is considered a good goals against average (GAA) in hockey?
In the NHL, a goals against average (GAA) below 2.25 is regarded as elite. A GAA ranging from 2.25 to 2.9 is seen as average, while a GAA of 2.9 or higher is considered below average. This standard has been consistent for over five years.
