In hockey, SA stands for “Shots Against.” It is a statistical category that measures the number of shots attempted by the opposing team towards a goalie’s net during a game. SA helps to evaluate a goalie’s performance and the defensive capabilities of a team. Here are seven frequently asked questions about SA in hockey:
1. How is the SA statistic calculated?
SA is calculated by counting the number of shots that directly reach the goalie as well as those that are either blocked by defenders or miss the net entirely. It gives an overall representation of the defensive workload faced by a goalie during a game.
2. What does a high SA indicate?
A high SA indicates that an opposing team was able to generate a significant number of offensive opportunities. It suggests that the goalie’s team may have struggled defensively, enabling more shots on goal.
3. Does a high SA always mean a goalie performed poorly?
Not necessarily. While a high SA can indicate a struggling defense, it doesn’t solely reflect a goalie’s performance. Some goalies may excel under pressure and make remarkable saves despite facing a large number of shots.
4. Can SA be affected by a team’s playing style?
Absolutely. Teams with an offensive-oriented strategy may concede more shots intentionally. This approach can lead to higher SA but aims to create opportunities for counter-attacking and high-scoring games.
5. Is SA the only stat used to evaluate a goalie’s performance?
No, SA is just one of many goalie stats used to evaluate performance. Other important metrics include save percentage (SV%), goals against average (GAA), and quality starts. These metrics are considered together to provide a fuller picture of a goalie’s effectiveness.
6. Can SA be influenced by the quality of the opposing team?
Yes, the quality of the opposing team can significantly impact the SA statistic. Stronger offensive teams often generate more shots, resulting in a higher SA even if the goalie performs well.
7. Are there any limitations to the SA statistic?
While SA is a useful metric, it doesn’t account for the quality or difficulty of shots faced by the goalie. Two different goalies may face an equal number of shots, but if one faces significantly harder shots, their respective performances may vary greatly.
BOTTOM LINE:
SA is an important statistic in hockey that measures the number of shots attempted by the opposing team against a goalie. It provides insights into defensive capabilities and evaluates a goalie’s performance. However, it should be considered alongside other goalie stats and the context of the game to have a more comprehensive understanding of a goalie’s effectiveness.
