What Is a Shot on Goal in Hockey?

A shot on goal (SOG) is any shot directed at the opposing team's net that either results in a goal or requires the goaltender to make a save. In other words, a shot on goal is a scoring attempt that puts the puck directly in front of the goalie—forcing them to stop it or allowing it to cross the goal line.

This metric is fundamental to hockey statistics and is used by players, coaches, analysts, and bettors to evaluate offensive performance, team dominance, and game flow. Understanding shots on goal is essential whether you're analyzing a game, placing bets on hockey, or simply following the sport.

The Official Definition

The National Hockey League (NHL) and other hockey governing bodies define a shot on goal as: a shot that directs the puck towards the net and either goes into the net for a goal or is stopped by the goaltender for a save.

The critical distinction is that the shot must be on target—meaning it is aimed directly at the goal and would have entered the net if not for the goaltender's intervention. A shot that misses the net, hits the post, or is blocked by a defender does not count as a shot on goal.

The Core Criteria for a Shot on Goal

For a shot to be officially recorded as a shot on goal, it must meet these criteria:

1. Directed at the goal — The player must intentionally shoot the puck toward the net, not pass it or dump it.
2. Would enter the goal if unobstructed — The trajectory and aim must be such that the puck would cross the goal line without the goaltender's intervention.
3. Results in a goal or save — The shot either goes in or the goaltender stops it. These are the only two outcomes that count.

How Is a Shot on Goal Different From Other Shot Types?

One of the most common sources of confusion in hockey statistics is the distinction between shots on goal and other types of shots. Let's break down these differences clearly.

Shots on Goal vs. Shot Attempts

The terms "shots on goal" and "shot attempts" are not interchangeable, and this distinction is crucial for understanding hockey analytics.

Shots on Goal (SOG) count only shots that either score or require the goaltender to make a save. Shot Attempts (also called "Corsi" or "All Shots") include every attempt to get the puck toward the goal, including:

• Shots that miss the net entirely
• Shots that are blocked by defenders before reaching the goaltender
• Shots that hit the post or crossbar
• All other shot efforts

For example, if a team takes 40 shot attempts in a game, they might have only 28 shots on goal. The difference of 12 accounts for missed shots and blocked shots.

Why this matters for betting: When analyzing a game, bettors should consider both metrics. A team with 25 SOG but 45 shot attempts may have had more possession but less efficient scoring chances. Conversely, a team with 32 SOG on 38 attempts shows excellent shot accuracy and offensive efficiency.

Shots on Goal vs. Missed Shots

A missed shot is any attempt that doesn't reach the goaltender—it sails wide, goes high, or otherwise fails to be on target. These are not counted as shots on goal because they never threaten the goaltender.

For instance, a player might shoot from the point, and the puck goes 5 feet wide of the net. This is a missed shot, not a shot on goal. In hockey statistics, missed shots are tracked separately and are part of the broader "shot attempt" metric.

Shots on Goal vs. High-Danger Chances

This distinction introduces the concept of shot quality—a critical insight in modern hockey analytics.

A high-danger chance (also called a "high-danger scoring chance" or "scoring chance") is a shot or rebound taken from areas of the ice where goals are most likely to be scored—typically within the "danger zone" or "scoring area" (roughly the area in front of the net, inside the hash marks).

Not all shots on goal are created equal:

• A shot from the slot (prime scoring area) has a goal probability of 10–15%
• A shot from the point (blue line) has a goal probability of 2–5%
• A shot from behind the goal line has a goal probability of less than 1%

A team can have 35 shots on goal but only 8 high-danger chances, while another team might have 22 shots on goal with 12 high-danger chances. The second team is likely more dangerous, despite fewer total shots.

For bettors: This is why looking at shot quality matters. A team with fewer shots on goal but more high-danger chances may be the better value play in a game outcome bet.

What Are the Official Rules for Counting Shots on Goal?

Hockey's shot-counting rules are surprisingly nuanced. Understanding these rules helps explain some counterintuitive statistics you might see in game summaries.

Shots That Count as Shots on Goal

The following scenarios all count as shots on goal:

1. Goals — Any shot that enters the net counts as a shot on goal (and a goal).

2. Saves — Any shot that the goaltender stops with their glove, pad, stick, or body counts as a shot on goal (and a save).

3. Tip-ins and Deflections — When a player tips or deflects an incoming shot and it either scores or is saved, it counts as a shot on goal. The original shooter gets credit for the shot, and the tipper may get an assist.

4. Rebounds — If a goaltender stops a shot and the rebound is immediately shot again (and scores or is saved), the rebound counts as a separate shot on goal.

5. Redirections — Similar to tips, a redirect of a pass or shot that results in a goal or save counts as a shot on goal.

Shots That Do NOT Count as Shots on Goal

Several common scenarios do not count as shots on goal:

1. Shots That Miss the Net — Any shot that sails wide or high of the net is not a shot on goal. The goaltender never had to intervene, so it doesn't count.

2. Shots That Hit the Post or Crossbar — A shot that bounces off the post or crossbar without entering the net does not count as a shot on goal. However, if the puck bounces off the post and then into the goal, it counts as a goal (and thus a shot on goal).

3. Blocked Shots — If a defender blocks the shot before it reaches the goaltender, it is not a shot on goal. It is recorded as a blocked shot instead.

4. Empty Net Goals — When a team scores on an empty net (goaltender pulled), it does not count as a shot on goal against that goaltender. However, it still counts as a goal. This is an important distinction for goaltender statistics and betting on goaltender-specific props.

5. Shots from Outside the Playing Area — Any shot taken from outside the rink or from an invalid position does not count.

Edge Cases and Special Situations

Hockey's rulebook includes several edge cases worth understanding:

Penalty Shots — A penalty shot is counted as a shot on goal if it either scores or the goaltender makes a save. If the shooter misses, it does not count as a shot on goal.

Shootout Attempts — Shots taken during a shootout (used to break ties in regular season games) are not counted as shots on goal. They are tracked separately in shootout statistics. This is why a goaltender's save percentage can look different if you include or exclude shootout stats.

Own Goals — An own goal (when a player scores against their own team) is recorded as a goal but is typically attributed to the opposing player who last touched the puck, not as a shot on goal by that player.

Deflections Off Goaltenders — If a goaltender deflects a shot with their stick and it goes out of play, it still counts as a shot on goal (they made a save).

Why Do Shots on Goal Matter in Hockey?

Shots on goal are one of the most important statistics in hockey because they reveal multiple aspects of the game: offensive efficiency, defensive pressure, goaltender workload, and overall team performance.

Shots on Goal as a Possession Indicator

In hockey, the team that controls the puck typically generates more scoring chances. Shots on goal serve as a proxy for offensive pressure and puck possession.

A team with significantly more shots on goal than their opponent (say, 35 SOG vs. 18 SOG) usually dominated possession and controlled the game. This doesn't guarantee they won—a team can lose despite outshooting their opponent—but it indicates they had more opportunities to score.

For game analysis and betting, shot totals tell a story about who controlled the game. Teams that consistently outshoot opponents tend to win more games over the long term, even if individual games can be fluky.

Relationship Between Shots on Goal and Scoring

The fundamental logic is simple: more shots on goal = more goal opportunities = more potential goals. However, this relationship is not perfectly linear.

Consider two scenarios:

Scenario A: Team outshoots opponent 35–22 but loses 2–3. Scenario B: Team outshoots opponent 28–32 and wins 4–2.

In Scenario A, the team had more chances but was less efficient (lower shooting percentage). In Scenario B, the team was more efficient despite fewer total shots. Both outcomes are possible and actually quite common in hockey.

The correlation between shots on goal and goals is strong but imperfect because:

• Shooting percentage varies — Some players and teams convert at higher rates than others.
• Shot quality matters — A team with 20 high-danger chances is more likely to score than a team with 30 low-danger chances.
• Goaltender performance varies — Some goalies are exceptional at stopping shots; others allow more goals per shot.
• Luck plays a role — Bounces, deflections, and other random events affect outcomes.

For bettors: Shots on goal is a useful indicator, but it shouldn't be your only factor. Combine it with shooting percentage, goaltender stats, and shot quality for a more complete picture.

Shots on Goal in Betting Markets

Shots on goal is one of the most popular prop bets in hockey. Bettors can wager on:

1. Team Shots on Goal Over/Under — Will Team A have more than 28.5 shots on goal? Bettors place over/under bets on team SOG totals.

2. Player Shots on Goal Props — Will Player X take more than 3.5 shots on goal? Popular with star players and consistent shooters.

3. Combined Shots on Goal — What will be the total shots on goal for both teams combined?

4. First Period Shots on Goal — How many shots on goal will each team have in the first period?

The popularity of SOG betting stems from its predictability and consistency. Teams and players tend to maintain relatively stable shooting patterns, making these props valuable for bettors who understand the trends.

Why SOG betting matters: Unlike goals (which are rare events), shots on goal happen frequently, making them easier to predict and model. A team that averages 30 SOG per game is more likely to hit an over of 29.5 than a team averaging 22 SOG.

Shots on Goal in Advanced Analytics

Modern hockey analytics has evolved beyond simple shot counting. Shots on goal serve as the foundation for more sophisticated metrics:

Corsi — Measures all shot attempts (SOG + missed + blocked). A team's Corsi differential indicates overall offensive pressure.

Fenwick — Similar to Corsi but excludes blocked shots, providing a cleaner picture of unblocked offensive attempts.

Expected Goals (xG) — Assigns a probability of scoring to each shot based on location, angle, and other factors. xG is calculated from shots on goal (and sometimes includes other attempts).

High-Danger Chances — Counts only the most dangerous scoring opportunities, typically derived from shots on goal in prime scoring areas.

These advanced metrics build on the foundation of shots on goal, making SOG a crucial building block for understanding hockey analytics.

How to Calculate and Interpret Shooting Percentage

Shooting percentage is one of the most important efficiency metrics in hockey, and it's directly derived from shots on goal.

The Shooting Percentage Formula

Shooting Percentage = (Goals ÷ Shots on Goal) × 100

Example: If a player takes 50 shots on goal and scores 8 goals, their shooting percentage is: (8 ÷ 50) × 100 = 16%

This means that 16% of their shots on goal resulted in goals, while 84% were saved by the goaltender.

What Shooting Percentage Reveals

Shooting percentage indicates efficiency—how well a player or team converts scoring chances into actual goals.

For individual players:

• An elite scorer typically shoots 12–16% or higher
• An average NHL player shoots 8–10%
• A defensive player or poor shooter might be at 5–7%

For teams:

• A strong offensive team might have a team shooting percentage of 10–12%
• An average team is around 8–9%
• A struggling team might be below 8%

Important context: Shooting percentage alone doesn't tell the full story. A player with a 20% shooting percentage might be taking only high-danger chances, while a player with a 6% shooting percentage might be taking many low-probability shots from the point. Context matters.

For goaltenders: The inverse metric is save percentage, calculated as (Saves ÷ Shots on Goal) × 100. A goaltender with a .920 save percentage stops 92% of the shots they face.

The History and Evolution of the Shots on Goal Metric

Understanding where shots on goal came from helps explain why it remains such a central statistic in hockey.

Origins of the SOG Statistic

In early hockey (pre-1920s), statistics were kept very loosely, if at all. As the sport professionalized and leagues like the NHL formed (1917), the need for standardized record-keeping became clear.

Shots on goal became one of the first statistics tracked because it was relatively straightforward to count and had obvious utility: it measured how hard a team was pressing offensively. Scorekeepers would tally every shot that required the goaltender to make a save or resulted in a goal.

By the 1950s and 1960s, shots on goal was a standard statistic in all professional hockey leagues. It provided coaches, players, and media with a simple way to evaluate offensive performance and game flow.

How Shot Metrics Have Evolved

For decades, shots on goal was the primary offensive statistic. Coaches would say things like, "We outshot them 35–20, so we played well," and that was considered a complete analysis.

In the 2000s and 2010s, the hockey analytics revolution introduced new metrics:

• Corsi (2003) — Recognized that blocked shots and missed shots were also indicators of offensive pressure
• Fenwick (2007) — Refined Corsi by excluding blocked shots
• Expected Goals (xG) (2010s) — Added context by weighing shots based on their location and likelihood of scoring
• High-Danger Chances (2010s) — Focused on the most dangerous scoring opportunities

These new metrics didn't replace shots on goal; they complemented it. Today, a complete analysis uses multiple metrics together.

Modern Analytics and the Limitations of SOG Alone

Modern hockey analytics has revealed that shots on goal, while important, is not a complete picture of team performance.

Research has shown that:

1. Shot quality matters more than quantity — A team with 20 high-danger chances is more likely to score than a team with 40 low-danger chances.

2. Shots on goal don't perfectly predict game outcomes — Teams can win while being outshot; conversely, teams can lose while outshooting their opponent.

3. Context is crucial — Shot totals must be considered alongside shooting percentage, goaltender performance, and shot location.

4. Advanced metrics are better predictors — Expected goals (xG) and high-danger chances are more predictive of future scoring than raw shot totals.

This doesn't mean shots on goal is irrelevant—it remains a foundational metric. Rather, it means that modern analysis requires a multi-layered approach that considers shots on goal alongside other factors.

Common Misconceptions About Shots on Goal

Several myths about shots on goal persist among casual fans and even some bettors. Let's debunk them.

Misconception 1: "More Shots on Goal Always Means More Goals"

Reality: Shot quality and shooting percentage matter just as much as quantity.

A team might have 40 shots on goal but a 5% shooting percentage (2 goals), while another team has 25 shots on goal and an 12% shooting percentage (3 goals). The second team scored more despite fewer shots.

Teams with more high-danger chances tend to score more, even if their total shot count is lower. This is why modern analysts focus on shot location and expected goals.

Misconception 2: "Shots on Goal Are the Best Predictor of Winning"

Reality: Goals are the best predictor of winning (obviously), but shots on goal is a useful proxy.

Research by hockey analytics experts has shown that expected goals (xG) is a better predictor of future performance than raw shots on goal. This is because xG accounts for shot quality.

That said, over a large sample of games, teams with higher shot totals do tend to win more often. The relationship is just weaker than many assume.

Misconception 3: "All Shots on Goal Are Created Equal"

Reality: The location and type of shot dramatically affect its probability of scoring.

A shot from the slot (directly in front of the goalie) has a 10–15% chance of scoring. A shot from the point has a 2–5% chance. A shot from behind the goal line has less than 1% chance.

This is why analytics have evolved to include shot location and expected goals. A team with 15 shots from the slot is far more dangerous than a team with 30 shots from the point.

Shots on Goal in Betting: Practical Applications

For sports bettors, shots on goal is one of the most actionable statistics in hockey. Here's how to use it effectively.

Shots on Goal Props and Over/Unders

Team Shots on Goal Bets are among the most common prop bets available. A typical line might be:

• Team A Over/Under 29.5 Shots on Goal — Will Team A take more or fewer than 29.5 shots?

To evaluate this line:

1. Check Team A's season average — If they average 31 SOG per game, the over at 29.5 is attractive.
2. Consider the opponent — If they're playing a team that allows few shots (strong defense), the under becomes more attractive.
3. Check recent trends — Is Team A on a hot or cold streak?
4. Factor in context — Are they playing at home or away? Is it a back-to-back game?

Player Shots on Goal Props are also popular:

• Player X Over/Under 3.5 Shots on Goal — Will this player take more than 3.5 shots?

Star players and consistent shooters have more predictable shot totals, making these props easier to evaluate.

Using Shots on Goal to Evaluate Game Outcomes

Shot totals can provide insights into which team controlled the game:

• A team that outshoots their opponent significantly (say, 38–18) usually dominated play, even if they lost.
• A team that wins while being heavily outshot (e.g., wins 3–2 despite 18 SOG vs. 35 SOG) had superior efficiency or goaltending.

For bettors: If you notice a team consistently outshoots opponents but doesn't win more often, it might indicate a shooting percentage problem or goaltending issue. This could present value in betting against them until the trend corrects.

Common Betting Strategies Using Shots on Goal

Strategy 1: Trend Analysis Track a team's average SOG over their last 10 games. If they average 32 SOG but the line is set at 27.5, the over is likely valuable.

Strategy 2: Matchup Analysis Identify teams with strong offenses (high SOG) playing against defenses that allow many shots. This is a setup for high SOG games.

Strategy 3: Game Context Teams playing at home, in non-back-to-back situations, and with motivation (playoff positioning) tend to generate more shots.

Strategy 4: Goaltender Matchups A strong offense playing against a weak defense is more likely to hit the SOG over. Conversely, a weak offense against a strong defense favors the under.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shots on Goal

What is the average number of shots on goal in an NHL game? On average, NHL teams take 25–35 shots on goal per game. The combined total for both teams is typically 50–70 shots per game. This varies significantly based on team playing style, matchup, and game situation.

Does a goal count as a shot on goal? Yes, every goal counts as a shot on goal. A goal is the best possible outcome of a shot on goal.

Do penalty shots count as shots on goal? Only if the penalty shot either scores or the goaltender makes a save. If the shooter misses the net, it does not count as a shot on goal.

Why don't shots that hit the post count as shots on goal? Because the goaltender didn't have to make a save. A shot on goal must either result in a goal or require goaltender intervention. A post shot that doesn't go in meets neither criterion.

What is the difference between shots on goal and shot attempts? Shots on goal count only shots that reach the goaltender (or score). Shot attempts (Corsi) include all shots: those on goal, missed shots, and blocked shots. Shot attempts are a broader measure of offensive pressure.

How do I use shots on goal to bet on hockey? You can bet on team or player shots on goal over/unders. To evaluate these bets, check the team's season average, consider the opponent's defensive strength, and factor in game context (home/away, back-to-back, motivation).

Are shots on goal a good predictor of who will win? Shots on goal correlate with winning over the long term, but individual games can be exceptions. Expected goals (xG) and high-danger chances are better predictors than raw shot totals because they account for shot quality.

What is the relationship between shots on goal and shooting percentage? Shooting percentage = Goals ÷ Shots on Goal. A higher shooting percentage means a team is converting their shots into goals more efficiently. Elite teams typically have shooting percentages of 10–12%.

Do empty net goals count as shots on goal? No, empty net goals do not count as shots on goal because there is no goaltender to stop them. However, they still count as goals in the final score.

What is a high-danger chance? A high-danger chance is a shot taken from areas of the ice where goals are most likely to be scored (typically within 20 feet of the goal). These are more predictive of scoring than overall shot totals.

Related Terms

• Goaltender Stats
• Corsi
• Total Goals