The new skating engine is one of those subtle things that you might not notice at first. But compare it to last year's model and suddenly it becomes clear just how much of an improvement has been made. Speed is completely analog, so if you want turbo, just push forward on the Left Thumbstick and your player will skate as fast as possible. But ease up just a touch and you can see the gradual shift in speed. Put the stick in neutral and you will glide along the ice on your momentum, a very useful tool, particularly on defense.
The On the Fly AI is the real star of the show and will both thrill and frustrate gamers. The AI plays a real game of hockey and never feels as if it is running some pre-programmed scenario. On offense, the AI sets screens, spreads the defense, and charges rebounds. On defense, the AI tries to cut off passing lanes, gets physical down low, and clears the puck when things get too hectic. And just when you think it can't get any tougher to score, the AI adapts.
The dynamic AI is adjusting throughout a game, just as a real NHL team would do. If you stick to one strategy, the AI will find a way to shut you down. Or at least will do its best based on the skills of the players on the ice. If you play hockey the old EA NHL way, by driving down center ice and looking for one-timers, you are going to get creamed. The defensive AI can be rough. That doesn't mean it's impossible to score (in fact, you will still have the occasional blowout game), but to do so will require more imagination and smarter play. The real test will be to your skills on defense.
If you're the type who, on defense, likes to charge at the puck and lay down a big hit to gain possession, please bring a Scantron and No. 2 pencil to class -- you're about to be schooled. Sure, from time to time you will manage to get a lick on the puck handler, but usually being over-aggressive will cost you. Watch an NHL game. Do you see defensemen storming at a forward with the puck? All you will do by charging relentlessly is put all of your defenders out of position and allow for easy goals. Instead, you need to use some NHL smarts. Play the passing lanes. Look for the opportune moments to poke check; don't just swing your stick around wildly like a blind man. And above all, show patience.
