🥅 Goalie Save Percentage Calculator

Enter shots faced and goals against to track save percentage, benchmark performance, and plan improvement targets.

Use 1 for single game or total games for season stats.

Save percentage

93.8%

Elite performance

Saves per game

30.0

Shots/game 32.0 • GA/game 2.0

NHL / Pro Targets

Average 90.5% • Strong 91.5% • Elite 93.0%

MetricValue
Shots faced32
Goals against2
Total saves30
Save percentage93.8%
For a season-long view, input totals across all games. For single-game analysis, leave “games” as 1 to compare workloads between matches.

Shot Targets to Hit Benchmarks

BenchmarkTarget Save %Shots needed (given GA)Additional saves
Average90.5%22 shotsAlready achieved
Strong91.5%24 shotsAlready achieved
Elite93.0%29 shotsAlready achieved

How to Use This Calculator

1

Record shots and goals

Use official game sheets or tracking apps to log shots on goal and goals against.

2

Enter totals and games played

For season tracking, use cumulative totals. For single games, leave games = 1.

3

Select benchmark level

Compare your stats to NHL, college, or recreational standards for context.

4

Analyze and plan training

Use the output to identify areas for improvement (rebound control, positioning, defense).

Formula

Save Percentage = (Shots on Goal − Goals Against) ÷ Shots on Goal

Expressed as a decimal (e.g., 0.915) or percent (91.5%).

Save percentage isolates the goalie’s contribution, though it is influenced by defensive coverage and shot quality. Pair it with goals-against average and expected goals models for deeper analysis.

Goaltending Performance Tips

Save percentage responds to both technique and team defense. Use the calculator after each game to monitor trends and adjust practice focus.

Boost save percentage

  • Improve rebound control to limit second-chance shots.
  • Track the puck through screens and traffic using head/shoulder movement drills.
  • Coordinate with defense to box out attackers and clear the crease.

Monitor workload

  • If shots per game are high, review defensive structure or reduce odd-man rushes.
  • Use rest and recovery protocols during heavy stretches (compression, hydration, mobility work).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good save percentage?

NHL goaltenders aim for 0.915+. Recreational leagues see ~0.850–0.900. Context and shot quality matter.

How is save percentage different from GAA?

Save percentage measures efficiency per shot; GAA measures goals allowed per game. Use both for holistic evaluation.

Should empty net goals count?

No. Only shots on goal faced by the actual goaltender count toward save percentage.

Do shootout attempts count?

In most leagues, shootout attempts are tracked separately and do not affect official save percentage.

Can I track expected goals?

Yes. Pair this tool with xG models to evaluate shot quality and goalie performance beyond raw percentages.