If you’re a fan of EA's NHL series, then you have had a lot to smile about. Recently, EA released patches that improve some major flaws in the game; the patches served as a wrench that tightened up some bolts on an already solid ship. Still, even with the addition of modes such as Be a Pro, you have to wonder sometimes what else could have been put in to make this game the greatest of all time. So here are five modes that will put this franchise over the top and send hockey fans into perpetual bliss every fall.

Playoff Mode

First off let’s start with hockey’s prime jewel, the Stanley Cup. The toughest and most exciting trophy to win in all of sports features four best of seven rounds with 16 teams vying for glory each spring. The fact that a pure playoff mode for the Cup is not in this game hurts it 10-fold. I have purchased or repurchased games around playoff time just to feed my hunger and replicate what I am watching on TV. Think of a college basketball game not having a mode with a 65-team playoff or an MLB game not having an option to jump in with a few friends and win the Fall Classic; it just wouldn’t make sense.

EA has to be limiting its fan base and cutting off potential buyers by not having this mode in the game. It takes about four times as long to get through a season simply to get to the playoffs -- hardly short enough to enjoy in small doses with friends. But having a few friends over for some libations and pizza is the perfect time to pull out the playoff mode.

Skills Competition Mode

Next up would have to be the skills competition. Held annually at the NHL All-Star Game, this competition is probably still the best and most entertaining of all the events held during any professional All-Star game.

From my standpoint, there is no justifiable reason why the skills competition is not in a hockey game. It is a great pick up and play event, and helps new users learn the controls while discovering some of the most talented players at each skill. Picking a lineup that is good at breakaways, goaltending, speed drills, hardest shots as well as a sniper is half the fun. Beating your friend head-to-head with those players you have selected makes it that much sweeter. With the young talent and budding superstars in the league now, there has never been a better time to show off what the NHL can do in terms of player movement, skill stick and graphics. Add this mode!

Classic Teams Mode

Then we have to go off that thought and think about the players and stars of yesteryear. This would bring us to classic teams of course. With the addition of the All-Centennial Team for Montreal in NHL 09 -- complete with classic gear and lid-less players flying all over the ice -- EA build on this start and add more classic squads.

Think about the possibilities: matching the '94 Rangers up against the '67 Leafs, or matching the '92 Penguins up against any of the great Oilers teams with Wayne and co. from the '80s. I could go on all day with match-ups and the like, but bottom line, NHL 2010 needs some classic teams. EA saw how much fans loved the throwback jerseys in the game, now EA Canada just needs to put the teams in that match those threads and we will be all set.

I understand the licensing rights that come with trying to get names from players that are retired or pushing up daisies, but I would settle for the ol' "Center #66," and if you could edit the names then this mode would be a blast. It was something fans of Madden loved for years, and I would bet that hockey fans are even more passionate when it comes to the history of their squads and traditions from the past.

Online Franchise Mode

I have to say that the most important addition -- and I would think I am not alone here -- is going to be a full online franchise mode. NCAA Football developers set the bar high for EA games when they put out their Online Dynasty mode this year. NHL would be smart to follow suit as soon as possible; there is probably nothing better than having the option to run a franchise with your home team against everyone else that you converse with online on a daily basis.

This mode would be so far ahead of anything we have now since we cannot even run a franchise offline with multiple human controlled teams for whatever reason. I know I would love to simply run a franchise with one or two of my closest friends. The smack talk and trade e-mails we would send from our offices all day at work would only be outdone by the grudge matches we would have once we punched out for the night. Just thinking about the possibilities of this sends a chill up my gaming spine.

Let’s face it, the online leagues in place right now take a small step forward each year, but are significantly lacking in the long run. I am in one now consisting of 16 teams, and while it is fun, we had to come up with so many rules on our own to make it half realistic. So, if online franchise ever becomes a reality (it would have to eventually right?) then all hockey fans are going to be spending some quality time with their couches as wives and girlfriends everywhere are left alone in that other room we aren’t allowed in anyway.

Winter Classic Mode

Lastly, I would be hard pressed if I didn’t throw in something that has sparked the interests of many casual sports fans over the last year or so: the Winter Classic. Something about playing an indoor sport outside is so appealing and fun to watch and play that every hockey video game should include this just for kicks and giggles. I realize that it would be a lot of work sending a team of guys to cover the venue, and getting it into the game would be consuming in terms of finances and time -- but hey, we want it.

And I realize a few of these modes I have mentioned are in 2K’s hockey game or have been in the past. However, if you are a fan of EA’s game, there should be no reason you can’t have it all -- I have said that for a while now. Instead of people defending one game or ripping the other, can’t we realize that competition helps create better games and be thankful for that? Can’t we wish to have it all, gameplay, graphics and fun? I think so, and I think it is time we start not only asking, but demanding it from our game companies.