[czure32]

some good points there cliche

I know for myself in regards to gaining the zone, that sometimes I will try to enter along the boards and do end up taking the big hit and turning the puck over. It only really happens against player controlled characters.
For the most part a computer controlled defender will back in to the slot and allow you entry to the zone. Sometimes Im a little slow in recognizing that the defender im breaking down on is player controlled. Or if i do make that recognition may not get the dump into the opposite corner off in time

in regards to defence and breakouts, one thing that I have noticed alot, and mentioned a while back as well, is that in the defensive zone alot of players have a tendency to chase the puck and find themselves out of position. Ive found my self doing it a couple of times as a winger where im caught to far down in the defensive zone and the pass goes up to the point.

most importantn thing is to keep in mind your positional play in the defensive zone, and try to avoid chasing the puck around like mad. esp if you're playing as a winger