Some questions from a total newb

[Dbrentonbuck]

Since my football team didn't make the playoffs this year, I figured I would pick this game up and try it out because of all the good things I have heard. Now, I know very little about hockey, but I like it.

Here are some questions...

1. How do I do one timers in this game? I remember in older games you would pass the puck and hold down the shot button and the guy would shoot immediately. How do I do that using sticks?

2. Why is it that when I cross the blue line, my cpu team mates don't go to the goal? They stay around the blue line and I have no one to pass to.

3. I have played about 5 games and have yet to see a fight... will the cpu instigate a fight?

4. Is there some sort of tutuorial for be a gm mode? I know there is the mini one when you start... but I am looking for a more detailed one to explain some things.

thanks for your help.

[GlennN]

You made a great choice - I have been playing this nonstop for a few months now.

1. Same as before, just pass and before pass reaches the player press shoot (flick the stick). Be careful doing this at the point, as your D will often whiff on the pass and set up an odd man rush against you.

2. Yeah, this is an issue. I usually skate the puck into the zone and then then pass it around, working it for a high percentage shot, or dump the puck in and chase. My teammates do not often crash the net (even when the pay is set to Crash the Net).

3. I start the fights usually. Press the Y button (on Xbox 360) after the whistle. Also, checking after the whistle will often start a fight. Old EA games used to limit you to three fights a game, but this year there appears no limit. I love the ability to start fights whenever I want - a great feature in NHL 10.

4. Not that I know of. Being a GM in hockey is not that much different than football (or any other sport). If you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to try and answer.

Have fun!

[therizing02]

Does starting fights have an effect on the overall team mentality? A lot of times fights are started to "fire a team up". Are you seeing a difference in play after fights?

[Roggie]

Yes. It has to do with the intimidation factor in the game. Your passes will be crisper and checks will be more brutal.

[Dbrentonbuck]

Ok... couple other questions....remember I know little to nothing about hockey

1. Why are there two teams with the same minor league team? How does that work in GM mode?

2. If Crosby and Malkin are both centers, why are they both playing at the same time when I watch a Penguins game?

3. When I am scouting players, what does "ROW" mean?

I am sure I will have other questions later... thanks for your help.

[jkra0512]

Quote: Originally Posted by Dbrentonbuck

Ok... couple other questions....remember I know little to nothing about hockey 1. Why are there two teams with the same minor league team? How does that work in GM mode? 2. If Crosby and Malkin are both centers, why are they both playing at the same time when I watch a Penguins game? 3. When I am scouting players, what does "ROW" mean? I am sure I will have other questions later... thanks for your help.

1. Some teams share minor league teams but can only call up the players they have under contract.

2. Just because a player is a C doesn't mean they can't play LW or RW or even D. Usually a C has a high face-off, passing, and deflection ratings so it's fine to put Malkin at LW or RW.

There's no penalty in ratings if you move a player from one position to another, but you might not be playing to their strengths.

Also, you'll want to put your best scorers on the powerplay because it's your best chance to score, obviously. So, Malkin and Crosby should be on the same line for your PP in my opinion.

3. I have no idea, I've never see that...

[b3organ]

Quote: Originally Posted by therizing02

Does starting fights have an effect on the overall team mentality? A lot of times fights are started to "fire a team up". Are you seeing a difference in play after fights?

I don't know how cpu keeps track of intimidation factors throughout the game but one thing that you can see happen right after the fight is that at least that line on ice receives an energy boost if you win a fight.

[GlennN]

Quote: Originally Posted by Dbrentonbuck

Ok... couple other questions....remember I know little to nothing about hockey 3. When I am scouting players, what does "ROW" mean? I am sure I will have other questions later... thanks for your help.

I think "row" is just on the Central Scouting list. It just means the ranking of the players in the list. For example, the best guy is in row 1, next is row 2, etc.