[bubbsy]

i think puck/stick physics , likely not until next gen consoles (my guess) that's where the ea game goes to the next level, till then , the game will feel the same just minor tweaks (ie. this skating thing this year).

non-elite players (ie. 80% of players in the league) can't keep possession of the puck at high speeds in traffic. the game just doesn't reflect that, as the puck stays glued to the possessing players stick.

Fifa is a perfect example of how they have unglued the ball from the possessing player's feet so you actually see shoulder to shoulder jostling for the ball. When the puck becomes a live entity, that's where defending becomes more practical (ie. nudging the player with the puck can dislodge the puck from his possesion) instead of now where it's basically a big hit that does this.

'Flash Walken' puts it best. The only way to defend today is playing a lidstrom game, utilizing the poke check and position to be a decent defender. Once the puck becomes live, and shoulder to shoulder nudging causes the puck to get loose, i think you can see rugged dmen type play along the boards and in the slot, where physical dmen are more effective as they can use their body more to dislodge the puck in traffic.

Oh, and of course, seeing sticks going through sticks, without bearing any impact on puck possession has gotta go. it's unacceptable for a game that is stating they have physics in the game.