I keep the email records of the games I've played online, and after over 200 games played, I can tell you what the #1 predictor of victory is - the team that passes more will win about 85-90% of the time. I've looked at every stat, and that is the one. You can outshoot an opponent 40-10, but if they are passing more on the stat sheet, there's a good chance they will win.
So puck movement is the key. With no turbo button, its the primary speed advantage you have. It's what lets you set up cycle plays, stay in the opponents defensive zone for extended periods, etc. It's what enables a puck possession game.
A great example of not passing are players that always look for the lone guy breaking out of their zone. Play goes up the ice, goalie makes a save, and the play goes right back the other way. By being patient, and passing effectively out of your zone, you can easily overload one side of the ice and come in on a good forecheck that will lead to 3 or 4 shots on net instead of one.
Passing is the key, I guarantee it, and the numbers on the emails I collect bear it out. My buddy and I play seven-game summit series, and even though he is way more talented on the deke's and pure offense, I am leading 13-5 in seven games series because my passing is better. I get by on one timers and rebound goals almost exclusively. I lose when I try and skate one on one.
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-Scott
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