1. What is Goals Against Average?

Goals Against Average (GAA) is a statistic used in ice hockey to measure a goaltender's performance. It represents the average number of goals the goaltender allows per 60 minutes of playing time.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the GAA formula:

Where:

• \( goals\_against \) — Total number of goals allowed by the goaltender
• \( minutes \) — Total minutes played by the goaltender
• 60 — Standard hockey game length in minutes

Explanation: The formula normalizes the goals allowed to a standard 60-minute game for fair comparison between goaltenders.

3. Importance of GAA Calculation

Details: GAA is a key metric for evaluating goaltender performance, comparing players, and making roster decisions. Lower GAA indicates better performance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total goals allowed and total minutes played. Values must be valid (goals ≥ 0, minutes > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered a good GAA in hockey?
A: In professional hockey, a GAA below 2.50 is generally good, while below 2.00 is excellent. The average varies by league level.

Q2: How does GAA differ from save percentage?
A: GAA measures goals allowed per game, while save percentage measures saves per shot. Both are important for evaluating goaltenders.

Q3: Does GAA account for team defense?
A: No, GAA reflects both the goaltender's skill and the team's defensive play. It's often used with other stats for complete evaluation.

Q4: Can GAA be calculated for a single game?
A: Yes, but single-game GAA can be misleading due to small sample size. It's more meaningful over a season or multiple games.

Q5: Who holds the NHL record for best career GAA?
A: As of 2023, the best career GAA in NHL history is held by Alex Connell with 1.91 (minimum 200 games played).