What Is Save Percentage?
Save percentage (SV%) is a statistic used across multiple sports to measure a goaltender's effectiveness at stopping shots. It is calculated by dividing the number of saves by the total number of shots faced. In hockey, save percentage has become the primary metric for evaluating goaltender performance, surpassing goals against average as the preferred statistic among analysts and front offices.
Unlike goals against average, save percentage is largely independent of team defense quality because it measures the goaltender's success rate on shots actually faced. A goalie on a weak defensive team may face many more shots but can still maintain a high save percentage through individual excellence.
SV% Formula
Performance Benchmarks (NHL)
| SV% | Rating | Description |
|---|---|---|
| .930+ | Elite | Vezina Trophy candidate |
| .920-.929 | Excellent | Top-tier starter |
| .910-.919 | Good | Above average |
| .900-.909 | Average | League average |
| Below .900 | Below Average | Backup level |
Context Matters
- Shot quality varies significantly. A goalie facing many high-danger chances may have a lower SV% despite playing excellently.
- High-danger save percentage (HDSV%) is a newer metric that only considers saves on high-quality scoring chances.
- Sample size matters: at least 20+ games are needed for SV% to stabilize as a meaningful metric.
- Different eras and leagues have different average save percentages, making cross-era comparisons difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good save percentage in the NHL?
In the modern NHL, the league average save percentage is approximately .905-.910. A save percentage above .920 is considered excellent, and above .930 is elite. These numbers have gradually increased over the decades as goaltending equipment and techniques have improved.
Is save percentage better than GAA?
Most analysts prefer save percentage because it isolates the goaltender's individual performance from team defense. A goalie on a team that allows many shots can still have a great SV%. GAA, however, is influenced by shot volume, making it less reliable for comparing goalies across different teams.
Can save percentage be above 1.000?
No. The maximum save percentage is 1.000, which means a perfect shutout with zero goals allowed. This can only occur over individual games. Over a career or season, maintaining a 1.000 SV% is statistically impossible given enough playing time.