“SV” stands for “save” in hockey. It is a statistical category used to measure the performance of goaltenders. Here are five supporting facts about SV in hockey:
1. Definition: SV is the number of shots a goaltender saves during a game or over a specific period of time. It includes all shots on goal that are stopped by the goalie, preventing the opposing team from scoring.
2. SV %: SV is often used in conjunction with the save percentage (SV%). SV% is calculated by dividing the number of saves by the total number of shots on goal faced by the goalie. It provides a percentage that represents the goalie’s efficiency in stopping shots.
3. Importance: SV is a crucial statistic in evaluating a goaltender’s performance. A higher number of saves indicates a more skilled and effective goalie, as they are able to prevent more goals from being scored against their team.
4. Records and Achievements: The number of saves made by a goaltender can contribute to various records and achievements in hockey. Some leagues even have individual awards for the goaltender with the highest number of saves in a season.
5. Comparing Goaltenders: SV allows for a fair comparison between different goaltenders irrespective of the number of shots they face. It provides a standardized metric to assess their abilities, regardless of the team’s defensive skills or play style.
FAQs about SV in hockey:
1. How is a save defined in hockey?
– A save is registered when a goaltender prevents a shot from entering the net and results in the opposing team not scoring a goal.
2. Can a goaltender receive a save even if the shot doesn’t hit their body?
– Yes, a goalie can still receive a save if they use their stick, glove, or any legal part of their equipment to stop the shot from going into the net.
3. Does blocking a shot by a defenseman count as a save for the goalie?
– No, a save is only recorded when the goaltender stops a shot on goal. Shots blocked by a defenseman or any other player before it reaches the net are not counted as saves.
4. What is considered a high save percentage for a goalie?
– Generally, a save percentage above .920 is considered excellent, while anything below .900 is considered below average. However, these numbers can vary depending on the league and the average save percentages of other goalies.
5. Can a goalie have a high number of saves but still lose the game?
– Yes, it is possible for a goaltender to make numerous saves but still end up on the losing side if the opposing team scores more goals than their own team.
6. Are there any drawbacks to relying solely on SV% to judge a goaltender’s performance?
– While SV% is an important statistic, it does not take into account the difficulty of shots faced, quality of the opposition, or defensive support provided by the team. Thus, it is important to consider other factors when evaluating a goalie’s overall performance.
7. Is SV% the only statistic used to evaluate goaltenders?
– No, SV% is just one of several statistics used to assess goaltenders. Other metrics, such as goals against average (GAA), shutouts, and even subjective evaluations by coaches and scouts, are also considered when judging a goalie’s abilities.
BOTTOM LINE:
SV in hockey stands for “save” and measures the number of shots a goaltender stops during a game or specific period. It is an essential statistical category used to evaluate a goalie’s performance and efficiency. However, it is crucial to consider other factors alongside SV% for a more comprehensive assessment of a goaltender’s abilities.
