Understanding GAA in Hockey
Goals Against Average (GAA) is a key statistic in hockey, primarily used to evaluate goaltenders. It represents the average number of goals a goalie allows during an equivalent of a full game (60 minutes). This measure helps to compare the performance of goaltenders under varying game conditions.
While it’s commonly thought of as the average goals allowed per game, this isn’t completely precise because not all games are confined to 60 minutes. Some games go into overtime, which means the goalie could be playing more than 60 minutes. Also, if a goalie is substituted for an extra attacker during the game, the time they are off the ice isn’t counted in their total playing time.
Here’s a simplified example of how GAA is calculated:
Calculation of GAA Following a 4-3 Overtime Game:
- Winning Goalie GAA Calculation:
- 3 goals allowed / (62 minutes played / 60 minutes) = 2.90 GAA
- Losing Goalie GAA Calculation:
- 4 goals allowed / (62 minutes played / 60 minutes) = 3.87 GAA
Ideal GAA in Hockey
An optimal goals against average (GAA) for NHL goaltenders typically ranges from 2.00 to 2.70. Scores between 2.70 and 3.00 are deemed respectable, whereas a GAA below 2.00 is considered outstanding. In 2019, Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning was awarded the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goaltender with a GAA of 2.40.
Performance Comparison of Vezina Trophy Nominees
Nominees Ben Bishop of the Dallas Stars and Robin Lehner of the New York Islanders posted GAAs of 1.98 and 2.13, respectively. Despite their impressive GAAs, the evaluation also included other metrics like save percentage and win record.
Significance of Wins in Award Considerations
Vasilevskiy led with 39 wins, contributing significantly to the Lightning’s remarkable season record of 62-16-4, which played a crucial role in him winning the trophy for the 2018-19 season. The league average GAA that year was 2.81, combining both starters and backups.
Strategic Importance of Backup Goaltenders
Teams highly value their starting goaltenders but also depend on their backups, especially during consecutive game days. This strategy ensures the starters are well-rested and less prone to injuries, enhancing the team’s overall performance and standing in the league.
Average Goals Against for Playoff Team Goalies
The typical goals against average (GAA) for goalkeepers on teams that reached the playoffs was 2.63 during the NHL’s 2018-19 season.
Primary goalies recorded a marginally lower average of 2.60, whereas the substitutes posted a GAA of 2.67.
Previously highlighted, Ben Bishop led all starting goaltenders with an outstanding 1.98 GAA across 45 games. Conversely, among the qualifiers for the playoffs, Martin Jones from the San Jose Sharks registered the highest GAA at 2.94.
Performance Metrics for Goalies on Non-Playoff Teams
The average goals against for goaltenders on teams that didn’t make the playoffs stood at 3.01.
Starters on these teams demonstrated better performance, with an average of 2.91, while backup goalies had a higher average at 3.17.
Leading the non-playoff goaltenders, Darcy Kuemper of the Arizona Coyotes achieved a remarkable 2.33 GAA over 55 starts. In contrast, Craig Anderson of the Ottawa Senators recorded the highest among them with a 3.51 GAA.
While the goals against average is a useful metric to gauge a goalie’s season performance, it should not be the sole criterion for assessment.
Understanding Goalie Save Percentage (SV%)
It’s essential to analyze a goalie’s save percentage (SV%) to gain deeper insights into each game’s dynamics.
For a thorough explanation of how SV% is calculated and the benchmarks necessary for playoff eligibility during the NHL’s 2018-19 season, please visit my detailed blog post here.
In essence, if a goalie’s GAA and SV% are high, it suggests potential issues not directly related to the goalie’s performance. High goals against might occur because the goalie is facing an excessive number of shots per game. Compounding the problem could be the team’s lower shooting frequency or ineffectiveness in scoring against opponents.
Read more: Is icing good or bad in hockey?
Essential Insight:
Goals Against Average (GAA) is a key metric in hockey that quantifies how many goals a goaltender allows on average per game, highlighting their skill in blocking shots. Although GAA offers valuable insights into a goalie’s effectiveness, it’s important to also look at additional statistics and factors for a comprehensive evaluation of their overall performance.
FAQ’s: GAA in Hockey
How do you determine the GAA in hockey?
GAA is determined by taking the total goals a goaltender has let in during a season, dividing it by their total minutes played, and then multiplying by 60. This gives the average number of goals allowed per 60 minutes.
Why is Goals Against Average (GAA) significant in hockey?
GAA is a crucial statistic in hockey because it measures a goaltender’s ability to prevent goals, indicating their overall performance and effectiveness. This metric is commonly used to compare different goaltenders.
Does a team’s defense impact GAA?
Yes, the performance of a team’s defense can significantly affect GAA. A strong defense can reduce a goaltender’s GAA, whereas a weaker defense might increase it.
Is GAA the only metric used to assess goaltenders’ performances?
No, GAA is only one of several statistics used to evaluate goaltenders. Other important metrics like save percentage and wins also play a crucial role. While GAA offers a basic understanding of a goaltender’s effectiveness, a thorough assessment requires considering multiple statistics.
Is a lower GAA always better?
Yes, typically, a lower GAA is seen as better because it shows a goaltender’s skill in stopping goals. However, it’s crucial to also look at other elements like the team’s performance and the opponents’ strength for a more accurate evaluation of a goaltender’s capabilities.
Who has the lowest Goals Against Average in NHL history?
Martin Brodeur holds the record for the lowest GAA in NHL history, with an impressive average of 1.89 goals allowed per game during the 1996-1997 season with the New Jersey Devils.
Can a higher GAA still mean a successful goaltender?
Yes, a higher GAA does not always reflect poorly on a goaltender. If a goalie plays for a team with strong offensive skills, they might concede more goals but still excel in their role. Additionally, facing a lot of shots or strong opponents could raise a goalie’s GAA, yet their overall performance might still be impressive.
Is a lower GAA preferable for a goaltender?
Yes, a lower GAA is better. Goalies with a GAA below 2.25 are seen as top performers. A GAA between 2.25 and 2.9 is typical, while a GAA above 2.9 suggests below-average performance.
