How to win at NHL09 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

mikey_the_redneck · 02-14-2009, 05:03 PM

Hey guys, I coud really use some pointers on this one.
I rented NHL09 this week, and my brother smoked me like 5 times in a row last night. Hes coming over tonight again, and I cant stand to keep losing like this.
So my question is..................how do YOU score in this game?
One timers, wrap arounds?
And how do you play D? Do you let the computer do it?
I always end up chasing around and it never works!

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Regulator75 · 02-14-2009, 05:24 PM

Should be posted in here...

http://forum.calgarypuck.com/forumdisplay.php?f=34

calf · 02-14-2009, 06:24 PM

I'm probably average at best...but, on D, stay in position, don't chase a guy all around the ice.

To score...mix it up. One-timers from behind the net work. For a cheeky play, rush into the corner, then cut to in front of the net getting ready to unload a wrist-shot...release as the goalie goes down.

ResAlien · 02-14-2009, 06:35 PM

Try not sucking.

On a more serious note, try playing a neutral zone trap combined with an aggressive breakout. Collapsing D, normal pressure. Works pretty well for me, and should lead to several odd man rushes.

GreenLantern · 02-14-2009, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calf

I'm probably average at best...but, on D, stay in position, don't chase a guy all around the ice.

To score...mix it up. One-timers from behind the net work. For a cheeky play, rush into the corner, then cut to in front of the net getting ready to unload a wrist-shot...release as the goalie goes down.

I can't believe that EA still hasn't fixed this cheap move, I was playing my buddy the other night who is really good at the game and he scored on me three times in a row with this move.

I remember using that back in NHL 94...

StrayBullet · 02-14-2009, 07:27 PM

Don't chase the puck carrier. Playing solid D is the key when you do not have the puck. The wraparound goal is garbage and as long as you anticipate the play and do not allow them to walk-in they're going to have to find a new way to score. Honestly, scoring will come. You just gotta be patient and find different ways to score - Passes and shots in the slot, point shots and rebounds are good start.

Traditional_Ale · 02-14-2009, 07:59 PM

Dump-Chase-Crash n' Bang-Shoot-Repeat

Flaming Choy · 02-14-2009, 08:15 PM

on a similar note, in be-a-player mode, how do you defend against the hit to protect the puck? Do you have to lean towards the player trying to hit you?

mikey_the_redneck · 02-14-2009, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calf

I'm probably average at best...but, on D, stay in position, don't chase a guy all around the ice.

To score...mix it up. One-timers from behind the net work. For a cheeky play, rush into the corner, then cut to in front of the net getting ready to unload a wrist-shot...release as the goalie goes down.

Oh great this is perfect calf!
Anyone else got info like this?

CaptainCrunch · 02-15-2009, 01:13 AM

Positioning is definitely everything in nhl09. The stick lift is the best defensive move in the game as well.

I play as a defenseman in be a pro, there are a couple of weak scoring spots. The top of the left face off circle off the rush with a wrist shot.

I like when people get greedy with the move out of the corner. If they rush to the front of the net from the corner I use the stick lift. One of two things happen, the guy eats lumber and I kill a penalty, or I pick up the puck and hit my rushing winger with a long break away pass.

Joborule · 02-15-2009, 01:52 AM

Don't underestimate the point game. Shooting from the point, especially when there is traffic is great due to goalie screens. And if a rebound pops up, you have a chance of tapping it in.

Overall, cycling the puck around the zone is great. Try to get the D moving around and open up some holes to get a nice one-timer or have space for a wrister in the slot.

sclitheroe · 02-15-2009, 11:07 AM

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.

jammies · 02-15-2009, 04:38 PM

I had a tough time scoring for a while, but I'm pretty good now. I score around 50% off the rush and 50% off the cycle:

On the Rush:

Gain the zone and create time - whether that be by curling back, taking the D wide or just slowing down, your aim is to avoid the defence while your teammates head to the net. Then see if you can find the late man and/or slot presence for a one-timer, or, if nothing is available, put a high shot to the goalie's blocker side for a rebound.

Another play is to hold the puck and go behind the net - a quick pass out front will net you a high-percentage shot IF you can hit the man, which often means you need to learn both the saucer pass and how to accurately pass one way while skating the other.

A third way to score off the rush is to wait for your own D to enter the zone, drop the puck to him and look for the point shot and rebound. If that isn't forthcoming, that's when you start the cycle.

Cycle Play:

Play it just like a cycle in real hockey - constantly keep the puck near the corner and boards by passing and protecting the puck, while your forwards switch in and out looking to cause the defence to make a mistake. Then put it to an open man to either drive the net or take a quick shot. The key to the cycle is to keep moving the puck - you should be looking for short, easy passes to areas where the defenders have your men in between them and the puck for maximum success.

Also don't be afraid to involve the point - dropping it back can be especially effective if the wingers of the opposition start cheating back or chasing the puck. Whether gaining a shot off the cycle or the point blast, the key is to head to the net immediately after shooting and look for rebounds.

Shooting:

Your most effective shots will be those taken while moving laterally across the net, which forces the goalie to move. If you can get into the high slot, try shooting back against your skating direction which is an extremely high-percentage shot. Also, learn to shoot 5-hole which is also very effective if you can get the goalie to move a bit and time it right to shoot as he moves.

The high blocker-side shot is best at getting rebounds, as anything into the body or shin-pads dies at the goalie's feet more often than not.

Obviously shots from the slot are best, but if you have time a slapper from almost anywhere can create rebounds. If you can time it properly, look for the deflection in front or goalie screen, both of which work as well in the game as in RL.

Hope that helps!

CaptainCrunch · 02-15-2009, 04:46 PM

I have to admit that I really struggle with being a goalie in a be a pro. My defense does a terrible job of clearing out open guys in front of the net.

I think I'm going to be a career minor league goaltender.

Flames_Gimp · 02-15-2009, 11:15 PM

give and go passing in front of the net, the goalie goes down roof it with a wrister.

mikey_the_redneck · 02-16-2009, 12:57 AM

You guys are great! I smoked my bro today with the "cut to the net from the corner" move............
I also learned to block passes and play defense!

MissKat · 02-16-2009, 04:29 PM

im a pro at this game, i play on superstar dynasty. Im the ultimate shot blocker, i block at least 25-35 shots/game.

I play 2-1-2 with standard offense and puck side attack def. Switch to protect net when on the PK and agressive + high pressure when on the PP. Results? #1 PP clicking at 24.1%

Human Torch · 02-16-2009, 11:54 PM

Anyone use the create a play? I know the option is there but I've never looked into it.

Weiser Wonder · 02-17-2009, 12:17 AM

Practice deking and passing. You want to be able to have a good combination of both abilities when different opportunities present themselves.

On breakaways, deke forehand to backhand for the easiest way to score.

Don't chase the puck on defense.

Make sure your centers can win face-offs as that's a huge part of winning.

mikey_the_redneck · 02-17-2009, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weiser Wonder

Practice deking and passing. You want to be able to have a good combination of both abilities when different opportunities present themselves.

On breakaways, deke forehand to backhand for the easiest way to score.

Don't chase the puck on defense.

Make sure your centers can win face-offs as that's a huge part of winning.

I REALLY struggle with faceoffs. Is there a little trick that you guys use............or just pay close attnention to when the ref drops it?