If a shot is in progress, pressing shoot attempts a shot block. The higher the power meter is when you hit the button, the more powerful the punch. If you hit Button 1 at a steady rhythm, your punches will be a bit stronger than normal. The face-off formation your team uses depends on your offensive pressure setting. The higher your offensive pressure setting, the more aggressive your formation.
More aggressive formations place more players in the slot, ready to crash the net.
With your offensive pressure set low, more players are ready to fall back and defend against breakouts. A number of factors come into play when signing free agents. Look for the Happy face to find a player that is more likely to sign with your team. Mapping the Free-Skate button will allow you to take control of the goalie and skate him behind the net or out of the crease. When you release the button he will return to his crease.