Save percentage is a key statistic in hockey that measures the effectiveness of a goaltender in stopping shots on goal. It is calculated by dividing the number of saves made by the goaltender by the total number of shots faced. To calculate save percentage, follow these steps:
1. Determine the number of saves made by the goaltender: Count the total number of shots on goal that the goaltender has successfully stopped and saved. This includes both shots on goal and shots that hit the goalposts.
2. Count the total number of shots faced by the goaltender: Add up all the shots on goal that the opposing team has taken during the game. This includes shots that have been saved, shots that miss the net, and shots that hit the goalposts.
3. Divide the number of saves by the total number of shots faced: Take the number of saves made by the goaltender and divide it by the total number of shots faced. This will give you a decimal number.
4. Multiply the result by 100: To convert the decimal number into a percentage, multiply the result from step 3 by 100.
5. Round off the final result: Once you have the final percentage, round it off to the nearest hundredth. This will give you the save percentage of the goaltender.
FAQs about calculating save percentage in hockey:
Q1. What exactly counts as a save in hockey?
A1. A save is recorded when the goaltender successfully stops a shot on goal or when a shot hits the goalposts.
Q2. Do blocked shots count as saves?
A2. No, blocked shots are not counted as saves. Only shots that are on target and are stopped by the goaltender are considered saves.
Q3. Can you have a save percentage higher than 100%?
A3. No, save percentage cannot exceed 100%. The percentage represents the proportion of shots saved compared to shots faced.
Q4. Is save percentage calculated for individual games or the entire season?
A4. Save percentage is calculated for individual games as well as for the entire season. It helps evaluate a goaltender’s performance in both short-term and long-term scenarios.
Q5. What is considered a good save percentage in hockey?
A5. In professional hockey, a save percentage above .910 is generally considered good, while a save percentage above .930 is exceptional.
Q6. Can save percentage be used to compare goaltenders from different leagues or eras?
A6. Save percentage is not directly comparable across different leagues or eras due to variations in gameplay styles and level of competition. However, it can provide a general idea of a goaltender’s performance.
Q7. Are there any other statistics that are commonly used alongside save percentage in evaluating goaltenders?
A7. Yes, other key goaltending statistics include goals against average (GAA), shutouts, and wins.
BOTTOM LINE:
Save percentage is a valuable statistic in hockey that helps measure a goaltender’s effectiveness in stopping shots on goal. By calculating the ratio of saves to shots faced and converting it into a percentage, teams and fans can assess the performance of goaltenders during individual games or over the course of a season. However, it’s important to consider other statistics and context to get a comprehensive understanding of a goaltender’s overall performance.
