For the first time, bad stick-handlers actually feel awkward to play instead of just being slow with the puck. Brawlers actually have advantages, more easily scoring big hits and effective checks, not to mention winning more fights and sending opposing players to the hospital. Different kinds of checks pokes, hips allow other players to be effectively physical, too. Other player stats are also well executed, as guys with stronger shots actually score more with a slap shot, instead of simply shooting harder. Deeking is also a more useful move than ever, allowing a single player to beat out the defense and the goalie if he s good enough.
Fighting is more fun than it s ever been.
It s quick, and less painful than a bonafide bleeding nose. It beats the ancient fighting system, where the winner didn t suffer a penalty. There s Internet play, and with the recent rise in popularity of fast connections, it s getting better. Surprisingly, the biggest leap may be the play of computer-controlled teammates. For once, they re actually behaving like hockey players.