All the clutch and grab plus dump and chase tactics of the todays real life NHL would not make for a very fun hockey video game. Button configuration is easy to learn and also customizable. It depends heavily on what speed your computer is. With my system the game runs fine with all details on high and resolution pushed up as well. The ice is well done and player models are accurate.
Sound effects are very true to life.
In game music is very repetitive and not near to the variety that we have come to expect from the NHL series of games. Play by play keeps up with the action and doesn't try to do too much. I long for a return to the excellent colour commentary found in NHL 98. This game is Good, but It very easy to score. It can also be more realistic.