NHL 11 Demo Available Now, Post Your Impressions Here (360, PS3)

[SlyBelle]

Overall, really liking the game but was wondering if others have seen something.

When my team is leading my 1, the CPU tends not to pull their goalie until 30 seconds left in the game. This is even happens when the CPU is in my end. I would think they would be pulling the goalie minimally around 1 minute mark.

Anyone else seen this?

[Money99]

Quote: Originally Posted by RealmK

Seeing it on SS as well Hank. Same thing with pass receiving even though the new ease of receiving slider is in the middle, I'm seeing if my 4th line is out, they're more apt to have a puck explode off their stick on a hard pass or miss it entirely. The refined puck physics seem to play a roll in it as well obviously. Much less magnetism in regards to puck on stick.

Agreed.
And in my last game the CPU actually whiffed on a one-timer. Sweet!

[theglory]

Quote: Originally Posted by SlyBelle

Overall, really liking the game but was wondering if others have seen something. When my team is leading my 1, the CPU tends not to pull their goalie until 30 seconds left in the game. This is even happens when the CPU is in my end. I would think they would be pulling the goalie minimally around 1 minute mark. Anyone else seen this?

I have seen them pull at like 50-45 second mark, if they have the puck in the attacking zone. I think they were down by 2 also tho. The defenders are very lax on pinching in these situations tho.. So it usually ends up an easy empty netter... =(

[Super Glock]

Wow the goalie is a brick wall in this game, how do I score?

[crobert0247]

Quote: Originally Posted by Super Glock

Wow the goalie is a brick wall in this game, how do I score?

Pound shots early to test em', float shots to the net in traffic, cycle down low and look for coverage breakdowns and thread passes in to a breaking forward or pinching D-man, create odd man rushes with stretch plays(long pass), cycle in and look for clear lanes back to your D-men for one timer's, use the hustle function to gain an edge one on one to drive wide or manual deke inside to throw the D-man off balance, and if you manage to get behind the D, the goalies can still be deked fairly easily if your timing is on. Just to name a few.

[Scottdau]

Quote: Originally Posted by Money99

The more I play the more I like. I need to play a few more HUT games because I'm not sure I'm seeing this right and I'd appreciate some feedback from OS members for verification. I really noticed in the last HUT tourney I played how threading passes or intercepting really depends on the players skill. With some of my weaker players they had a harder time sneaking passes through. Meanwhile, players like Backstrom and Daughty were able to thread quite a few through. But against defenders like Pronger or Keith, it wasn't nearly as easy. And this proved vice-versa when going up against the CPU. Crosby was able to thread some passes through guys like Gomley (69 OV). I need to keep playing because I don't want this to be my eyes decieving me. But so far I feel I'm seeing more player separation on this demo (at least on Pro level). Also, I'm really digging the hustle button when I need a quick burst of speed. I scored a beauty with Pascal Leclair where I toe-dragged around a defender, then burst, came in on the goalie, faked a shot and slid one by with a backhand shot. Anyway, I've been very impressed with this demo. Last year, I enjoyed NHL10 but it still felt too much like NHL09. Not with 11. While it still resembles 10, the gameplay has taken a big step forward in my opinion.

Nope you are right Hank. The good players really can do more. Keith and the good D guys would stop more passes and control it too. It is really cool. I am very pumped for this game now. Player separation is finally here the way I like it.

I made this sweet game winning goal in HUT with Backstrom. It was in OT and he got around the Dman and used the hustle and then did a sweet deke and got the goalie to commit to that side and then I roof it in for the win! It was bad *** and felt so good. I love the controls.

[Scottdau]

Quote: Originally Posted by Money99

Agreed. And in my last game the CPU actually whiffed on a one-timer. Sweet!

I know I love it. I had that happen to me too. I thought I was dead too, but he missed and I took it for a good scoring change, but the goalie made a great stop. The more I play the more I want this game now. Can't wait for it to come out!

[BlueNGold]

Quote: Originally Posted by Gagnon39

After hours of play on this demo I feel like I might actually be able to play this game on All-Star and get realistic results. I've been playing on All-Star the past few games and have found that I NHL 11 is in fact, much more difficult than NHL 10. The CPU AI is much better, they make moves, create plays, etc. I'm getting pumped for this game. Is anyone else playing on All-Star and noticing the improved offensive CPU AI?

Yes. I've played mostly all of my Battle for the Cup games on All-Star. I've only played once or twice on Superstar because I don't think I'm ready to make that jump yet. It's still difficult for me to get wins on All-Star.

Quote: Originally Posted by Money99

The more I play the more I like. I need to play a few more HUT games because I'm not sure I'm seeing this right and I'd appreciate some feedback from OS members for verification. I really noticed in the last HUT tourney I played how threading passes or intercepting really depends on the players skill. With some of my weaker players they had a harder time sneaking passes through. Meanwhile, players like Backstrom and Daughty were able to thread quite a few through. But against defenders like Pronger or Keith, it wasn't nearly as easy. And this proved vice-versa when going up against the CPU. Crosby was able to thread some passes through guys like Gomley (69 OV). I need to keep playing because I don't want this to be my eyes decieving me. But so far I feel I'm seeing more player separation on this demo (at least on Pro level).

Yeah I noticed this too but didn't think to post about it. Pronger was really solid at keeping cross crease passes away and knocking them away or intercepting them, while some of the other lesser D-men I've noticed haven't been able to do the same.