Save percentage = saves ÷ shots faced. It is the most important single goaltending stat because it controls for the volume of shots faced, unlike goals-against average. In the NHL, .910 is roughly average for a starter; .920+ is above average; .930+ is elite. Year-to-year variation is significant, and team defence (shot quality allowed) affects the stat.
Key points
- .910 = roughly NHL average
- .920+ above average, .930+ elite
- Better than GAA (controls for volume)
- Team defence affects individual SV%