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What Is GAA?
Goals Against Average (GAA) is one of the most fundamental statistics in hockey used to evaluate goaltender performance. It represents the average number of goals a goalie allows per 60 minutes (one full regulation game) of ice time. A lower GAA indicates better performance, as it means the goaltender is allowing fewer goals per game.
GAA has been tracked in the NHL since its earliest days and remains a cornerstone of goalie evaluation alongside save percentage and wins. While modern analytics have introduced more advanced metrics, GAA provides an intuitive and easily understood measure of a goaltender's effectiveness.
GAA Formula
For hockey, the standard game length is 60 minutes. If a goalie allows 45 goals over 1800 minutes of ice time, the GAA is (45 x 60) / 1800 = 1.50. This means the goaltender averages 1.50 goals allowed per full game played.
NHL Benchmarks
| GAA Range | Rating | Caliber |
|---|---|---|
| Below 2.00 | Elite | Vezina Trophy caliber |
| 2.00 - 2.50 | Excellent | All-Star level |
| 2.50 - 3.00 | Good | Solid starter |
| 3.00 - 3.50 | Average | League average |
| Above 3.50 | Below Average | Backup / needs improvement |
Understanding GAA in Context
- GAA is heavily influenced by team defense. A goalie on a weak defensive team may have a higher GAA despite playing well individually.
- Empty-net goals count against the goalie's GAA in many leagues, which can inflate the number unfairly.
- GAA should always be evaluated alongside save percentage for a complete picture.
- Era matters: in the 1990s, a 2.50 GAA was average; in the 2020s, the league average has shifted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good GAA in the NHL?
In the modern NHL, a GAA below 2.50 is considered very good. The best goalies typically post GAAs between 2.00-2.30 over a full season. The league average has fluctuated between 2.80-3.10 in recent years.
Does GAA include overtime goals?
Yes, GAA includes all goals scored during regulation, overtime, and shootout losses (where applicable). The minutes played also include all overtime periods, so the calculation accounts for the additional time.
How is GAA calculated for partial games?
GAA uses total minutes played, not games played. If a goalie plays 30 minutes in one game and 60 in another, allowing 3 goals total, the GAA is (3 x 60) / 90 = 2.00. This makes GAA fair for goalies who share time.