Hardcore Passing/Pass Assist?

[MrMars]

I have reverted back lately to manual passing. And while it is not impossible to play with, to me it just created another avenue where the user is inferior to the CPU.

Granted, it has allowed for much more even distribution of key stats such as TOA and SOG but that's happening because I cannot pass like the CPU passes. my passes have to be deliberate in the sense that i have to account for my positioning and the half second or so it takes to charge a strong pass.

That is not the thing that really bothers me though; what bothers me about this whole manual passing is the fact that if I aim a pass at a player the player always has to stop and turn around to receive the pass, taking away any advantage in positioning I may have at that time.

If I pass into open space I sometimes can create odd-man rushes but manual passing to me, creates a much less effective offense by the user which accentuates the CPU offense therefore, creating a more balanced statistical outcome.

Bottom line i like it, i just don't like how They (EA) did it.

MrMars

[Qb]

Quote: Originally Posted by MrMars

That is not the thing that really bothers me though; what bothers me about this whole manual passing is the fact that if I aim a pass at a player the player always has to stop and turn around to receive the pass, taking away any advantage in positioning I may have at that time. If I pass into open space I sometimes can create odd-man rushes but manual passing to me, creates a much less effective offense by the user which accentuates the CPU offense therefore, creating a more balanced statistical outcome.

I've been using it from the start and I can't play without it now. The epiphany for me was when I changed my approach. Rather than always looking to make the direct pass as we're all accustomed to from years of assisted passing, I noticed intentionally leading your man through the neutral zone really opens up your options and can lead to some great rushes.

It's common to see a slight "hitch" when you pass directly to someone coming up the ice with speed -- I think it's less noticeable with manual passing compared to assisted -- but putting the puck into space and skating onto it eliminates this. Sounds like you've already see this yourself, now it's just a matter of adapting your style to take advantage of it more often.

[MrMars]

Interesting idea QB.

Usually those passes in to open space I spoke of are poorly aimed passes to specific players. Anyway, I will try to pass with more of an open ice strategy, meaning, trying to lead players to where I want them to go on the ice, rather than where they already are.

I will post my results after a few games.

Thanks,

MrMars

[Qb]

Once you get a feel for it, it can really open up the game. The normal pass works well, but often I find the saucer pass can be even more effective. Particularly if you're coming through center-ice with a streaking winger to either side of you and the d-man trying to play the passing lane. Put a nicely weighted saucer towards the blueline & boards and skate onto with a full head of steam. And you'll see some cool animations when they gather the puck like between the legs, etc.

If I play tonight, I'll try to get a highlight or two posted here...

[BleacherCreature]

I agree with you Qb. I like the ability to bank passes off the boards and like you said lead guys on long passes through the neutral zone.
I was never a big fan of the saucer pass until this year and when it works the way you need it to it's a thing of beauty.
I have also had recent success with taking a slapshot around the boards from behind my own net to a teammate skating up the boards. If you get a fast guy out there he can end up with a breakaway.

[Qb]

Everyone once in a while I surprise the hell out of my EASHL teammates with a crazy manual saucer pass. I tell them practice makes perfect...