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Here are the patch release notes.

Exploit fixes:

-Prevent players from entering games with attributes that are raised beyond the level they can reach with the card they are entitled to have. Players who have elevated their attributes this way should reset their character by changing the type and reassigning their points.
-Limit the size of human goalies in OTP/EASHL games to 6'4" (NOTE: it will still allow them to be set larger, but the actual height in game will not go above the new limit).
-Fixed some problems that could cause the game to hang or go out of sync when pausing.
- Prevent use of LB to get up instantly after being knocked over.
-Reduce accuracy of shooting while using vision control to skate backwards.
-Prevent high, accurate slap shots from in close to the net.

Other changes:

-Reduced the ease of beating the goalie on the short side.
-Decrease the tendency of the goalies to use a desperation save unnecessarily.
-Strict calling of interference, though you can still clear players directly in front of the net without getting called for interference.
-Added stick lift to Classic controls using LB+X(XBox) /L1+Square(PS3). It is also on R3 (press Right Stick).
-Fixed shot targeting using the Always Up control when skating down ice.
-Added new NHL rule to locate face- offs in the attacking zone to start a powerplay.
- Prevent CPU players from getting delay of game penalties frequently while clearing the puck from their zone.
- Prevent puck from being poke checked away from the goalie when he has it covered under his glove.
-Reduced the amount of time it takes to get control of the last man back, holding RT(Xbox)/R2(PS3)
-Reduced the amount of time it takes to get control of the goalie, holding LB+A(Xbox)/L1+X(PS3)
-Reduce the range of heights on randomly generated CPU players, including goalies.
-Eliminate the ability to accelerate and maintain high speed while stick lifting.
-More penalties for high sticking when stick lifts are done from behind the opponent.
-Made the colours of the OTP/EASHL indicators more distinct (yellow and orange).
-Made face-off outcomes slightly more random and slightly less dependent on attributes.
-Added assistance to prevent one-timer and shot attempts from leading to accidental hits and interference penalties.
-Goalie tuning to increase goal-scoring a bit to compensate for taking away the easy short-side high goals.
-Improve hit stat tracking to not count all of the small bumps in front of the net.
-Increased injuries caused by CPU teams.
-Prevent puck from being launched with very high speed following a hit.
-AI tuning for superstar. The Aggression slider now affects how intense the CPU team is on that difficulty level.

(http://forums.ea.com/mboards/thread....55804&#4755804)

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Member Comments
# 21 phillyfan23 @ 02/18/09 01:44 AM
hey LP that's great to hear about the balanced penalties....and also what level do you play?

is the cpu more dangerous scoring wise? After the 1st patch their scoring efficincy took a big hit? how is it after this patch??

thanks
 
# 22 meep316 @ 02/18/09 01:46 AM
I am so excited for this to hit 360. I was/am so disappointed in NHL 09, I really hated all the cheese with the non existant interference calls, short side slappers, and flopping goalies. I've never been disappointed in an NHL game until 09. Despite my great record I haven't played online in a month because it's boring defending against the same cheap tactics, and even worse when they work.

I can't wait to see the barrage of douches heading to the box after checking my guy 30 feet away from the puck, I can't wait to have my goalie stone every short side cheese slapper, I can't wait for my online desire to be refueled by this patch. I really hope I'm not getting hyped up for nothing, to me this will be like a whole new game if it's good.
 
# 23 Redshirt_EA @ 02/18/09 02:28 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by phillyfan23
what's the general impressions on OFFLINE play for everyone ? I am sure online play has improved, but offline play is where I spend most of my times.

How is the new superstar level? is it hard but realistic? ok then....thanks for all the input
One tip for superstar is that you can use the Aggression slider to get finer granularity on the difficulty, lower is easier.
 
# 24 eeyor @ 02/18/09 02:43 AM
Kudos for EA, great work for patching the game twice. My impression of the patch is, that the whole game plays different now OFFLINE. Yesterday I've seen animations that i've never seen in 300+ games beforehand mostly due to the CPU using other sorts of defense instead of constantly checking the hell out of me. Plus, the game looks more "organic" on the boards b/c of the new kind of D - Style the CPU uses. Generally it's now harder to beat the CPU b/c of the higher chance of goals from the slot (which the cpu constantly takes). Also got my first major for "check from behind". All in all good patch!

Edit: Just had a look at the EAWorld forums with all checkers whining of not finishing checks etc.. Quite ridiculous! I don't have that problem
 
# 25 tbigwhoop @ 02/18/09 03:33 AM
Just finished an offline game in my franchise...

I got a checking from behind, interference, and a couple of charging calls. All were legit calls and would likely not have been called pre-patch. I disagreed with only one as it was borderline. Really makes you play the game differently and more realistically. The angry crowd will get used to this once they adapt. The game is much more strategic and challenging this way.

I found the gameplay more fluid oddly enough. Found it faster and smoother. CPU had some good plays on me too and they had their share of penalties as well.

My goals came via rebound and also a tip in (vs Luongo). A goal vs. me was from a wraparound pass that bounced in off my defender...tsn turning point.

Overall, I enjoyed the new gameplay. Looking forward to playing more (and maybe online again).
 
# 26 reddog01 @ 02/18/09 03:39 AM
Bravo EA this game really feels like hockey, alot more blocked shots or deflections over the glass, more realistic goals, can't put it down, luv the penalties, no cheap ones anymore, can't say enough!!
 
# 27 eeyor @ 02/18/09 04:50 AM
I just changed a few right now and it plays well for now:

SKILL LEVEL
All Star

PERIOD LENGTH 10 Minutes
PENALTIES Maxed
FIGHTING Turned it of

GAME SPEED 0
PUCK CONTROL 2
FIGHT DIFFICULTY 6
FATIGUE EFFECT 6
AI LEARNING 4

FATIGUE RECOVERY 1
PLAYER ACCELERATION 2

HITTING POWER 1
AGGRESSION 4
POKE EFFECTIVENESS 3

PASS SPEED 1
SAUCER PASS SPEED 3
PASS INTERCEPTIONS 4
GOALIE PASSING 2

SHOT ACCURACY 3
SHOT POWER 3

SHOT BLOCKING 4
HOOK EFFECTIVENESS 6
PENALTY SHOT FREQUENCY 4
GOALIE COVER PUCK FREQUENCY 4
 
# 28 kt-od @ 02/18/09 11:00 AM
Played a couple of offline games last night after downloading the patch.

There were definitely a good variety of penalties. I blatantly interfered and it was called. Also, saw a great roughing call.
- But I did notice the CPU interfering and it was not called as
much. Jason, did the patch increase the CPU's chance of
interference as well?

Also, it seems like the speed was "cranked" up a lot. I could never get the puck away from the CPU in my own zone. It still seemed like that no matter what when the CPU wanted the puck or wanted to score they could.

I didn't tweak the sliders that much, but I'm hoping that if I mess with the aggression or AI Learning slider it might help with this.

I did see a difference with the goalies after the patch. Much improved!! I didn't see the goalie flop once.

Thanks EA for staying on top of this game and listening to the community.
 
# 29 Redshirt_EA @ 02/18/09 12:15 PM
Based on what you described I'm guessing you using Superstar, in which case you can use the Aggression slider to tone down at AI a bit.

The CPU has the same rules for getting called for interference as the human player. Both CPU and human can get away with interference in front of their own net still.
 
# 30 kt-od @ 02/18/09 12:26 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Redshirt_EA
Based on what you described I'm guessing you using Superstar, in which case you can use the Aggression slider to tone down at AI a bit.

The CPU has the same rules for getting called for interference as the human player. Both CPU and human can get away with interference in front of their own net still.
Thanks for the reply Jason. Actually I'm playing on All-Star, but I will try the Aggression slider to tone it down.
 
# 31 Splitter77 @ 02/18/09 12:33 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Redshirt_EA
Based on what you described I'm guessing you using Superstar, in which case you can use the Aggression slider to tone down at AI a bit.

The CPU has the same rules for getting called for interference as the human player. Both CPU and human can get away with interference in front of their own net still.
jason- quick question, but I see an animation from time to time where a player will take his stick and sort of pin a player with it. It results in a struggle between the 2 players. Its sort of like pinning him stationary with the stick. I know there is no way to [erform this maneauver, but I see it with battles in front of the net. Is there anyway to put this as a control for next years game?? I think it would be great for in front of the net controls, and maybe for some board pinning along the boards.
 
# 32 Qb @ 02/18/09 01:13 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Splitter77
jason- quick question, but I see an animation from time to time where a player will take his stick and sort of pin a player with it. It results in a struggle between the 2 players. Its sort of like pinning him stationary with the stick. I know there is no way to [erform this maneauver, but I see it with battles in front of the net. Is there anyway to put this as a control for next years game?? I think it would be great for in front of the net controls, and maybe for some board pinning along the boards.
I think what you're describing is the tie-up animation in front of the net, correct? If so, you can do that by pressing the hook/tie-up (Y on 360, triangle on PS3?) button when you're close to a player in front. It doesn't always happen, but you can do it manually...
 
# 33 Ruffy @ 02/18/09 01:14 PM
Great Job on the Patch EA...as others have stated Kudos to the NHL team for making a greater commitment to taking out all the BS that can make sports games no fun to play online.

I play NHL Online only, 1 vs. 1 using the play now feature only.

I have two names, made a new one so I don't get bothered by my Socom friends.

Records
Ruffy Rye
408-166-44 DNF 4% - 1497 Rank

R-U-F-F-Y
74-23-5 DNF 3% - 3813 Rank

I play straight up sim tyle work the puck on the Powerplays to the points and actually kill penalties by icing the puck for the most part.

Since the patch I've played about 11 games and man o man is it great. I love watching the penalties pile up against my cheeser opponent makes me laugh. I've had 2 games so far where the opponent took 9 penalties...my PP in those 2 games were 2 for 7 and 4 for 8.

I'm seeing a few more shots from the points go in which is great. The goalies can save some pretty standard breakaway moves now as well which is awesome. The desperation saves are still there but only a few times was my goalie doing it or my opponents goalie doing it at an inappropriate time. (I honestly think its a game synching issue, in games which feel a bit laggy I notice the goalie desperation more, just a personal opinion).

I'm seeing a greater variety of penalties too! 2 mins for boarding and 2 min for hitting from behind, I've seen some 5 mins for hitting from behind pre-patch, even gotten that a few times myself. Roughing penalties, hooks, trips. No I actually can bait my opponent to tap me going for that chase for the lose puck as it will result in a penalty.

Something penalty wise I have only seen post patch is this. Offsetting minors! Dude took an interference penalty and my guy smoked him after while the puck wasn't there and got one too! Great stuff!

The only time this game is frustrating now is if there is some lag.

I'd love in the future for the play nows if they could add a ping beside your names so before the game starts you can see the opponents connection.

Great Job EA this game is going to be abused until the Show comes out.

Looking forward to a playoffs mode next year!! And the ability to have every NHL team controlled by a user offline. Until then I will only play online.

Kudos again.
 
# 34 seasprite @ 02/18/09 01:44 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruffy
Something penalty wise I have only seen post patch is this. Offsetting minors! Dude took an interference penalty and my guy smoked him after while the puck wasn't there and got one too! Great stuff!
I am pretty sure that this was in pre patch, you could get a penalty yourself when the other team got one which would put both of you in the box. Are you saying that you wont go to the box if both teams have a penalty????
 
# 35 NHLandPESFan @ 02/18/09 01:48 PM
I played a few online games 1v1 with the new patch last night (PS3) and am loving it. A greater variety of goals seem to be happening and it's great to see all the blatant interferences called. I was playing a league game against a friend of mine and we were shocked to get 3 penalties each in the first period. We finally figured out what was going on and quit cheating as much, I will have to break some bad habits but I am NOT complaining, it's great to see the blatant interferences as well as iffy poke checks and stick lifts called. It's also nice to see all the post release support as well. Just say that there will be multiplayer franchise in NHL2010/10/whatever it will be called and it will be a day 1 purchase for me. The player freezing on one timers bug is the only thing left that really annoys me but good work overall EA!
 
# 36 Ruffy @ 02/18/09 01:48 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by seasprite
I am pretty sure that this was in pre patch, you could get a penalty yourself when the other team got one which would put both of you in the box. Are you saying that you wont go to the box if both teams have a penalty????
Never happened to me online before ever. It seemed you could do almost anything during a delayed penalty.
 
# 37 PaddyOReilly @ 02/18/09 01:50 PM
Well I've played a few games now and here are some of my impressions and general comments, bearing in mind I play Pro level offline.

Firstly I do love how the penalties have been changed. I'm taking the right kind of penalties for the situation and both me and the CPU are having a good variety. I also noticed how the hit power seems to have also changed in that I see fewer sprawling hits and more bumps. I still occasionally take an interference call when I've taken my finger off of L2 but not before the right stick has gone back to the middle.

A slight concern though is that defence now seems like a vacuum occasionally. The players don't want to check other players and are also less inclined to poke as well, leaving me in a waiting game to get the puck back. This is not just me though as one instance I saw the CPU defenseman stand still and watch as I moved in on the goalie to deke past him; although I will admit this was the most blatant example. It would seem that pre patch the guy would have moved in to check me but now is caught in two minds as to what to do.

Another worry I have is that with the reduction in both hits and power will we actually see an increase in dynasty injuries in player games or will it be the same situation as previous with the benchmarks moved. Only time will tell on that one.

Finally I come to the goalies, which to me are still a love/hate relationship. The last game I played I managed to score from near the blueline with a defender, which I love. However the goalies are now back to where they were in the beginning in that if you're going head on then the goalie is screwed; whether it be a slapper through the five hole or a wrister right into the very top corners. This has made them really weak, my last game ended 9-5 to me (Avs versus Blackhawks).

So in conclusion: Penalties = Yay, Goalies = Boo, Injuries = ?.
 
# 38 Splitter77 @ 02/18/09 01:56 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by PaddyOReilly
Well I've played a few games now and here are some of my impressions and general comments, bearing in mind I play Pro level offline.

Firstly I do love how the penalties have been changed. I'm taking the right kind of penalties for the situation and both me and the CPU are having a good variety. I also noticed how the hit power seems to have also changed in that I see fewer sprawling hits and more bumps. I still occasionally take an interference call when I've taken my finger off of L2 but not before the right stick has gone back to the middle.

A slight concern though is that defence now seems like a vacuum occasionally. The players don't want to check other players and are also less inclined to poke as well, leaving me in a waiting game to get the puck back. This is not just me though as one instance I saw the CPU defenseman stand still and watch as I moved in on the goalie to deke past him; although I will admit this was the most blatant example. It would seem that pre patch the guy would have moved in to check me but now is caught in two minds as to what to do.

Another worry I have is that with the reduction in both hits and power will we actually see an increase in dynasty injuries in player games or will it be the same situation as previous with the benchmarks moved. Only time will tell on that one.

Finally I come to the goalies, which to me are still a love/hate relationship. The last game I played I managed to score from near the blueline with a defender, which I love. However the goalies are now back to where they were in the beginning in that if you're going head on then the goalie is screwed; whether it be a slapper through the five hole or a wrister right into the very top corners. This has made them really weak, my last game ended 9-5 to me (Avs versus Blackhawks).

So in conclusion: Penalties = Yay, Goalies = Boo, Injuries = ?.
play on all-star and you should be fine.
i love what they did with the goalies
 
# 39 Splitter77 @ 02/18/09 01:58 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Qb
I think what you're describing is the tie-up animation in front of the net, correct? If so, you can do that by pressing the hook/tie-up (Y on 360, triangle on PS3?) button when you're close to a player in front. It doesn't always happen, but you can do it manually...
yup- thats the animation.
Ive tried the hook button, and I dont think Ive gotten it to work yet. It should go into that animation every time you hit the button. Like the stick lift button.
Hopefully they fix that for next season. I loved how it was in nhl 2004
 
# 40 LP @ 02/18/09 03:00 PM
Just out of curiosity, how do I trigger the standing shot block animation?
 


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