Goals Against Average Calculator

Calculate GAA for hockey goalies using goals allowed and minutes played

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🏒 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

1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00

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.