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October NHL clutch rankings
Updated 11/2/2009 10:42 PM ET
USA TODAY's rankings of the NHL's most clutch scorers and goalies based on our own set of criteria.

Clutch scorers:

Formula for scorers:

• First goal of the game: 75. Assist: 40. If first goal occurs after first period, then 100 and 60.

• Tying goal: 75: Assist: 40

• Two goals ahead (excluding empty netters): 50. Assist: 30

• Pull team within one: 25. Assist: 15

• Shootout goal: 50 points

Time bonuses

• For go-ahead or first goal: Sliding scale from 25 to 100 for a third-period goal. Assist: Sliding scale from 10 to 50.

• Overtime: 100. Assist: 60

• For two goals ahead or tying goal: Sliding scale from 20 to 60 for a third-period goal. Assist: Sliding scale from 10 to 30.

Maximum points for a goal is 200 for an overtime goal.

Clutch goalies:

Formula for goaltenders:

USA TODAY's clutch goalie index looks at starting goalies' performances in each game (minimum of seven starts). Goalies get the following bonuses:

• Save bonuses: One point for every save above 10 in a shutout period or every save above 15 in a one-goal period. One point for every save in overtime. One point for every save made, up to 10 points, if a goalie entered the third period tied or up one goal and allowed no goals.

• Goals-allowed bonuses: 10 points for every goal allowed less than three. Minus 10 points for every goal allowed above three. Minus 10 for being pulled from a game.

• Shutout bonuses: 10 points for a first-period shutout then half a point for every minute afterward.

• Tie game bonuses: Half a point for every minute the game is tied.

• 1-0 lead bonuses: Half a point for every minute playing with a 1-0 lead.

• Saves: One point for each save.

• Penalty killing: One point for each penalty kill.

• Shootouts: One point for each save. Minus one point for each goal allowed.

• Total: The total of the eight categories divided by the number of starts.

Rankings calculated by Mike Brehm, USA TODAY

Posted 11/2/2009 5:24 PM ET
Updated 11/2/2009 10:42 PM ET