Goals-Against Average GAA
GAA stands for goals-against average in hockey. Goals a goalie allowed per 60 minutes in net — a full game.
How GAA is calculated
GAA = goals against × 60 ÷ minutes played
GAA charges the goalie with every goal his team’s defense lets through, so save percentage is the fairer read on the goalie himself.
What counts as a good GAA?
Half of the 64 qualified NHL players in 2025-26 were at or below 2.87. The best tenth were under 2.50.
- Median
- 2.87
- Top 10% (low)
- 2.50
- Leader
- 2.02
Qualified: 20+ games, non-zero, 2025-26 regular season.