What Happened
Sportsnet reports that NHL average save percentage has declined steadily over the past decade, from .915 in 2015-16 to .896 last season, the lowest mark since 1996. Through more than 150 league games this season, the average sits at .892. Justin Bourne examined the numbers for Sportsnet to look at what is driving the drop, even as goaltenders become bigger, faster and more technically advanced.
Key Details
- League average save percentage: .915 in 2015-16, falling to .896 last season.
- Last season's .896 was the lowest league average since 1996, according to Sportsnet.
- This season's average is .892 through over 150 games.
- The source does not identify a single cause for the decline.
What It Means
Save percentage has long been a primary tool for evaluating goaltenders, so a league-wide slide complicates comparisons across eras. Sportsnet notes the drop has continued even as goalies have become bigger, faster and more technically advanced, suggesting the trend is not simply a matter of goaltending quality.