Goalie Save Percentage
Calculate SV% = Saves ÷ Shots Against. .920+ elite, .910 average. Hasek .922. Hockey, soccer, lacrosse. Free calculator.
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📊 SV% Benchmarks
Your SV% vs NHL levels
📈 League SV% Over Time
1980s .880 → modern .910+
🍩 Goalie Infographic
Key facts
📊 SV% Levels
Replacement to elite
For educational and informational purposes only. Verify with a qualified professional.
SV% = Saves ÷ Shots Against. Hockey: .920+ elite, .910 average, .900 replacement. Dominik Hasek career .922. Jacques Plante invented the goalie mask in 1959. League average SV% rose from .880 (1980s) to .910+ (modern). 30+ saves = busy night. Also usable for soccer and lacrosse.
Sources: NHL.com, Hockey-Reference, ESPN.
Key Takeaways
- • SV% = Saves ÷ Shots Against. Universal formula for hockey, soccer, lacrosse.
- • Hockey: .920+ elite, .910 average, .900 replacement level.
- • Dominik Hasek: .922 career, six Vezina Trophies.
- • League average rose from .880 (1980s) to .910+ (modern)—equipment and technique.
Did You Know?
How Does Save Percentage Work?
Formula
SV% = Saves ÷ Shots Against. Multiply by 100 for percentage. Goals Allowed = Shots Against - Saves.
Hockey Benchmarks
.920+ elite, .910 average, .900 replacement. Context matters—shot quality and team defense affect SV%.
Other Sports
Soccer and lacrosse use the same formula. Benchmarks differ—soccer keepers face fewer shots; lacrosse is closer to hockey.
Expert Tips
SV% Benchmark Table
| SV% | Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| .920+ | Elite | Vezina candidate |
| .910 | Average | League typical |
| .900 | Replacement | Backup level |
| .922 | Hasek | Career record |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is save percentage in hockey?
SV% = Saves ÷ Shots Against. It measures the percentage of shots a goalie stops. NHL elite: .920+. Average: .910. Replacement level: .900. Dominik Hasek holds the career record at .922. Also used in soccer and lacrosse.
What is a good save percentage?
Hockey: .920+ elite, .910 average, .900 replacement. Soccer and lacrosse use similar formulas. League average SV% has risen from .880 (1980s) to .910+ in the modern era due to equipment and technique.
Who has the best career save percentage?
Dominik Hasek: .922 career SV%, six Vezina Trophies. Jacques Plante invented the goalie mask in 1959. Modern elite goalies consistently post .920+. Context matters—shot quality and team defense affect SV%.
How many saves is a busy night?
30+ saves is considered a busy night for an NHL goalie. 40+ is very busy. Average shots against per game is ~30. High save totals with high SV% indicate an elite performance.
Can SV% be used for soccer or lacrosse?
Yes. SV% = Saves ÷ Shots on Goal (or Shots Against). The formula is universal. Benchmarks differ by sport—soccer keepers face fewer shots; lacrosse is closer to hockey. Same math applies.
Why has league average SV% risen since the 1980s?
Equipment improvements (larger pads, better masks), butterfly technique, and defensive systems. .880 was typical in the 1980s; .910+ is normal now. The game has evolved.
Key Statistics
Official Data Sources
⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only. SV% benchmarks vary by league and era. Shot quality and team defense affect results. Not professional hockey analysis.