Goals Against Average Calculator
Calculate GAA for hockey goalies using goals allowed and minutes played
🏒 Goaltender Statistics
Total goals allowed while on the ice (excludes shootout and empty net goals)
Total minutes played (includes overtime, excludes shootout)
Goals Against Average
GAA Scale
Goals Against
Minutes Played
Goals per 60 min
GAA Rating Scale
| Rating | GAA Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
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About Goals Against Average Calculator
What is GAA in Hockey?
Goals Against Average (GAA) is one of the most important statistics for evaluating a hockey goaltender's performance. It represents the average number of goals a goalie allows per 60 minutes of play.
GAA Formula
GAA = (Goals Against × 60) ÷ Minutes Played
Components
- Goals Against (GA): Total goals allowed while the goalie was on the ice
- 60: Standard game length in minutes (regulation NHL game)
- Minutes Played (MP): Total time the goalie was in net
Important Notes
Goals that don't count against GAA:
- Goals scored during shootouts
- Goals scored on an empty net (when goalie is pulled)
Overtime considerations:
- Overtime minutes are included in the calculation
- Shootout time is excluded
GAA Rating Scale
| GAA | Rating | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ 2.00 | Elite | All-Star caliber, Vezina Trophy candidate |
| 2.01 - 2.50 | Excellent | Top-tier starting goaltender |
| 2.51 - 2.75 | Above Average | Quality NHL starter |
| 2.76 - 3.00 | Average | League average |
| 3.01 - 3.50 | Below Average | Room for improvement |
| > 3.50 | Poor | Struggling, may lose starting role |
Example Calculations
Example 1: Elite goalie
- Goals Against: 50
- Games: 50 (3000 minutes)
- GAA = (50 × 60) ÷ 3000 = 1.00 (Elite)
Example 2: Average starter
- Goals Against: 140
- Games: 50 (3000 minutes)
- GAA = (140 × 60) ÷ 3000 = 2.80 (Average)
Historical Context
Notable Career GAAs (Modern Era)
| Goaltender | Career GAA |
|---|---|
| Dominik Hasek | 2.20 |
| Martin Brodeur | 2.24 |
| Henrik Lundqvist | 2.43 |
| Carey Price | 2.49 |
Best Single Season GAAs
| Goaltender | Season | GAA |
|---|---|---|
| Tim Thomas | 2010-11 | 2.00 |
| Tuukka Rask | 2019-20 | 2.12 |
| Connor Hellebuyck | 2019-20 | 2.57 |
GAA vs Save Percentage
| Stat | GAA | Save % |
|---|---|---|
| Measures | Goals allowed per game | Shots stopped percentage |
| Accounts for shot volume | No | Yes |
| Affected by team defense | More | Less |
| Best for comparison | Within same team | Across all teams |
While GAA is valuable, Save Percentage is often considered more accurate because it accounts for the number of shots a goalie faces. A goalie on a defensively weak team might have a high GAA despite playing well.
Note: GAA should be used alongside save percentage and other metrics for a complete picture of goaltender performance.
📐 The Formula
GAA = (Goals Against × 60) ÷ Minutes Played
Pro Tip: GAA is best used alongside Save Percentage for a complete picture of goaltender performance. A goalie on a defensively weak team may have a high GAA despite playing well.