Why Save Percentage Matters

For goaltenders, save percentage provides a clear picture of efficiency in the net. It shows how many shots a goalie stops compared to the total faced. Coaches use this metric to evaluate performance over a single game or an entire season. Higher percentages indicate reliability under pressure, while lower numbers may signal poor positioning or defensive breakdowns.

Formula

The calculation is straightforward: $\mathrm{SV\%}=\frac{S}{S+G}$, where $S$ represents saves and $G$ stands for goals allowed. Since saves equal shots faced minus goals, you can also express it as $\frac{F-G}{F}$, where $F$ is shots faced.

Example Game

If a goalie faces 30 shots and allows 2 goals, they make 28 saves. The percentage is $\frac{28}{30}=0.933$ or 93.3%. The table below compares a few scenarios:

Shots	Goals	Save %
20	1	95%
30	2	93%
40	4	90%

Interpreting Results

Top professional goalies often maintain season averages above 92%. Numbers below 90% may warrant extra practice or changes in defensive strategy. Small differences can matter—improving from 90% to 91% over a season could mean stopping dozens of additional shots. Keep in mind that team defense also plays a big role in these statistics.

Improvement Tips

Goalies seeking higher save percentages can focus on angles, rebound control, and quick recovery after sliding saves. Video analysis helps identify patterns leading to goals. Conditioning drills build stamina for games with heavy shot totals. By tracking performance with this calculator, you can set measurable goals and celebrate progress.

Long-Term Tracking

Recording save percentage over many games highlights trends that single matches might hide. Keeping a log also reveals how changes in training or equipment affect performance. Some goalies even chart their numbers on a rolling basis to monitor improvement throughout a season.

Equipment Considerations

Properly fitted pads and gloves improve mobility and coverage, while worn-out gear can hinder movement. Periodic equipment checks ensure you aren’t losing saves to frayed straps or cracked padding. Maintaining skates with sharp edges and consistent blade profiles further supports precise positioning in the crease.