1. What is Save Percentage in Hockey?

Save percentage (Save%) is a statistic in ice hockey that represents the percentage of shots on goal a goaltender stops. It's a key metric for evaluating a goalie's performance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the save percentage formula:

Where:

• \( saves \) — Number of shots successfully stopped by the goalie
• \( shots \) — Total number of shots faced by the goalie

Explanation: The formula calculates what percentage of total shots were saved by the goaltender.

3. Importance of Save Percentage

Details: Save percentage is one of the most important statistics for evaluating goaltenders. Higher percentages indicate better performance. NHL goalies typically have save percentages between .900 and .930.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of saves and total shots faced. Both values must be positive numbers, and shots must be greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good save percentage in hockey?
A: In the NHL, a save percentage above .915 is generally considered good, while anything above .930 is excellent.

Q2: How does save percentage differ from goals against average?
A: Save percentage measures the percentage of shots stopped, while GAA measures goals allowed per 60 minutes of play.

Q3: Does save percentage account for shot quality?
A: No, basic save percentage treats all shots equally. Advanced metrics like "high-danger save percentage" account for shot difficulty.

Q4: Can save percentage be over 100%?
A: No, since you can't save more shots than you face, the maximum possible is 100%.

Q5: How many shots are needed for save percentage to be meaningful?
A: Statisticians recommend at least 500-1000 shots for a reliable evaluation of a goalie's true talent level.