The method to determine a goaltender’s effectiveness involves dividing the number of saves by the total number of shots faced. The resulting decimal, typically expressed to three places, represents the proportion of shots stopped by the goalie. For example, a goalie who stops 90 out of 100 shots would have a result of .900, commonly stated as 90 percent.
This statistic is a fundamental evaluation tool used across hockey leagues, from youth to professional levels. It provides a quantifiable measure of a goaltender’s performance, allowing coaches, scouts, and fans to compare players and assess their contribution to a team’s success. Historically, its consistent application has allowed for longitudinal analysis of goaltending trends and the evolution of the position.