How do you do it?

[InSainn]

I love the NHL games but this happens to me every year. I play for a week and just end up getting frustrated because playing on rookie level I'm still getting beat with scores like 10-1. I don't have any trouble with other games like I do this one. Does anyone have any advice? I've tried practice mode but without the speed and pace of a game it doesn't do any good...

[CapnKill]

I spend 99.9999% of my time with EASHL and its a blast. Just have to worry about one guy and that is yourself. I don't really get much joy from playing the CPU for some reason... so I think you just have to find a game mode that you enjoy and then go from there.

[Kbs]

Quote: Originally Posted by CapnKill

I spend 99.9999% of my time with EASHL and its a blast. Just have to worry about one guy and that is yourself. I don't really get much joy from playing the CPU for some reason... so I think you just have to find a game mode that you enjoy and then go from there.

Couldn't agree more. If you find a game mode that's fun for you, you'll get better very fast. Also, I play much better against real people than the CPU, so maybe it's the same for you and a couple online games could improve your game.

[Steven547]

Quote: Originally Posted by InSainn

I love the NHL games but this happens to me every year. I play for a week and just end up getting frustrated because playing on rookie level I'm still getting beat with scores like 10-1. I don't have any trouble with other games like I do this one. Does anyone have any advice? I've tried practice mode but without the speed and pace of a game it doesn't do any good...

What do you have your CPU difficulty set at? Lower it to "0". With that increased, it gives the CPU an advantage. Put the shot sliders in your favor by 1 click.

Also, try playing position lock (at the lineup screen before the game starts). Position lock will help you focus on one player while the CPU controls your other teammates. This will help you get used to the controls...practice shooting during gameplay, etc. It will help you get "adjusted" to higher levels as well. Once you master it, then go back to full control of all players.

Most of all, just play good defense. Don't play pee wee bee hive hockey. In other words, don't run all over the ice trying to get the puck. Stay in position and be patient. As the AI does to you, LEARN the CPU's moves.

[Broncos86]

What exactly are you doing that's getting you beat 10-1 on rookie? I don't mean that in a mean way. Where are you getting beat? Are you trying to line guys up for checks all the time? Are you getting beat with breakaways? Do they dominate the offensive zone? Are you just shooting the puck from bad angles all the time?

As Steven said, play with position lock. Choose the left or right wing, as those will give you a position to play w/o much responsibility. play within your position and get an idea for how the game flows. If you feel comfortable enough that you want to control the entire team, go for it.

One aspect that wasn't really addressed in your post was how much hockey knowledge you're coming into the game with. What exactly do you know?

[Vikes1]

Quote: Originally Posted by Steven547

Most of all, just play good defense. Don't play pee wee bee hive hockey. In other words, don't run all over the ice trying to get the puck. Stay in position and be patient. As the AI does to you, LEARN the CPU's moves.

This is excellent advice Steven.

Chasing the cpu all over your defensive zone, rather than just trying to stay positionally sound, is a great way to get beat. It can be tough to be patient....but it is your best bet imo too.

[hoverdonkey]

If you are playing the computer, my one piece of advice would be when defending, don't chase the puck. Don't keep switching players, because you'll drag them out of position. Stick with being a forward and hold your position, letting your AI teammates do their job. I like to be a centre and protect the centre while giving my D some help down low.

Oh, just seen Steven said the same thing. See, it must be good advice

[InSainn]

Thanks for all the advice. And yes, I am guilty of switching up and chasing. My biggest problem is I can't get control of the puck on D and I can't win a faceoff to save my life so basically the CPU controls the puck until they get an easy shot. Then when I do get the puck I can't seem to get the puck down low to generate a decent shot without losing it and I'm not getting any kind of deflections off long shots either. I know the basics of hockey strategy but not as much as I would like. I'll give the position lock thing a try. My one question about that is, does that mean I only control one guy on offense too? If that's the case how do I work on my offensive skills?