Its Here!!

[blkhwk21]

Wow - gameplay changes are big. What do you guys think?? By the time I got home from work I was only able to play a few games on BAP to break in the CCM's then I jumped on line. Unfortunately I was only able to play a game and a half (do to my three year old waking up with coughing like a dying frog) The first game was a three on three match up - it went 4 OT periods - 4!! And the final score.....1-0. Passing is just crazy, if you do not clearly point in the exact location - forget about it. two on 1 break aways with post to post passing for an open netter - Noway. Obviously everyone is starting out from ground zero and need to build up thier players to allstar status, but the feel is very different. The second game I dropped back to defense and scored my first goal on a one timer it was a good feeling after that barn burner, but unfortunately I had to end the game in the second period. Im looking forward to get in some good playing time this weekend- but trust me - its going to take some getting used to. They did speed up the game by not allowing you to pause the game during game play, and intermissions go by faster - however the clutching and checking after the whistle is going to be a pain in the ass - it just lets you run around and check unit and it takes forever to drop the puck if guys keep playing. See ya on the ice!!

[Cody]

I played my first OTP just now. It was a pretty good game. I scored early, and then set up a beauty to give us an early 2-0 lead. Then suddenly our two dmen decided to play as forwards and the other team came back quickly. It stayed that way until I set up the game winner late in the first Overtime.

This game just has me even more excited about playing club games. I can see team work being very important in NHL10. Therefore playing with the same teammates and learning eachother's tendencies is what I am looking forward to the most.

I don't mean to pump my own tires, but I was making things happen with 4 teammates I had never played with before. It will be nice once I get used to the same line mates.

Hopefully we can get some games in tomorrow.

[blkhwk21]

Good Stuff!! Very True - 09 exploited positioning, 2010 even more so - what i did like is that when playing defense and holding my lane it was very difficult for the opponent to get the puck past - it seems that the shot blocking is a little more precise. I also noticed that you will not recover as quick from a missed check or brush off. My first shift as D man I lined up the opponent and when he didnt fall I was left in his tracks - Yes, I felt like a rookie! D-men will need to drop back with the rush - fill the lanes and play the body without throwing a check - let the wingers do that. Most impressive from a D perspective is that they took away the "pull back drag - automatic goal" crap. In both games I played everyone was trying to light the lamp with that cheap goal -Not this year, Thank you EA - that was a D mans nightmare.

[blkhwk21]

Another one for the D guys. I noticed when I was playing BAP mode that one timers sailed a bit from the point, however a quick wrister or snap shot did lead to a few empty netters for the wingers. This might show up online as well- as the goalie seems to see the puck better and control a hard shot from the point, but if you sail one it seemed quite often it would deflect off his blocker or chest. Wingmen - if passing lanes are cut and I cant dump it in deep, drive to the net - there should be a present waiting for your.

[JoeShow3x]

Momentum is huge. Big hits, scoring chances, fights (win or lose) all build momentum. I think this year it's alot more cycling the puck, playing down low, dump and chase, and using your point men rather than long ice passes, cross crease passes, and cheese goals.

It's a big change in gameplay from last year and previous NHL games, the play is a little slower and you really can't pass tape to tape like you did last year. I really like the board play, it adds a certain realness to the game that has never been there before. I also like the new fighting engine, it's alot of fun although I have yet to master it.

[Cody]

I've seen a lot of just gaining the zone and then throwing at the net. I'd like to see some sustained offensive zone pressure. Utilize the point men. Rebounds/deflections will be huge, I think.

[blkhwk21]

agreed - now after getting some good games it - it is important to move the puck and increase your time in the attack zone - eventhough passing seams more difficult - it is more realistic on how you can control the zone and pressure the defense...working the corners opens lanes. I have seen over the past few games my shots on goal has gone down as a D man but my +/- is starting to get out of the gutter.