Save percentage (SV%) is the primary statistical measure used to evaluate a hockey goaltender’s performance, representing their efficiency in preventing goals. The metric provides a direct, quantifiable assessment of a goalie’s ability to stop the puck relative to the number of attempts they face. By focusing exclusively on the shots directed at the net, save percentage offers a clear comparison of how effectively one goaltender performs against others across different teams or seasons.
The Calculation Explained Step-by-Step
The save percentage formula is calculated by dividing the total number of saves a goaltender has made by the total number of shots they have faced while on the ice. The formula is expressed as: Save Percentage = Saves / Shots Against. The total number of shots against is derived by adding the number of saves to the number of goals the opposing team scored. This relationship means that every shot on goal must result in either a goal or a save. The resulting figure is a decimal, typically displayed to three digits, such as 0.915.
For example, if a goalie faces 30 shots and allows 3 goals, they are credited with 27 saves, resulting in a save percentage of 0.900 (27/30). Goals scored while the net is empty are not counted as a shot against the goaltender for this calculation.
Defining Shots and Saves
The accuracy of the save percentage relies heavily on the official scoring rules that define what counts as a “shot on goal.” A shot on goal, also known as a shot against (SA), is an attempt to score that would enter the net if the goaltender did not stop it. A save is officially credited to the goaltender every time they prevent the puck from entering the net after an opponent’s shot on goal. This means that the total number of shots against is the sum of saves and goals allowed while the goalie is in the net.
Shots that miss the net entirely, going wide or high, are not counted in the calculation. Similarly, a shot that is blocked by a defensive player before it reaches the net is recorded as a blocked shot, not a shot on goal against the goaltender. The official scorer must use judgment to determine if a shot that hits the goalpost or crossbar would have gone in without the frame’s interference. For the save percentage to be an accurate metric, the official scoring must strictly adhere to these definitions.
Understanding Save Percentage Values
The save percentage value serves as a universal benchmark for gauging a goaltender’s effectiveness. Since the metric is expressed as a decimal, a higher number indicates a better performance, as it reflects a greater proportion of shots stopped. In professional leagues, save percentages typically range between 0.900 and 0.930.
A save percentage around 0.900 is generally considered below average for a starting goaltender. Conversely, a save percentage of 0.915 or higher is often seen as excellent, suggesting the goalie is consistently outperforming the league average. An elite performance level is typically represented by a save percentage above 0.920, a mark achieved by the league’s top goalies.
Interpreting the number also requires considering the context of the shots faced, as a goalie may have a slightly lower percentage due to facing many high-quality, difficult shots. The statistic remains a fundamental tool for comparing the consistency and skill level of different goalies across various seasons and teams.