http://www.ea.com/nhl/blog/signature-traits  interesting.

 

http://www.ea.com/nhl/blog/producer-blog-gameplay-enhancements

 

Gone is the ‘A + B always equals C formula’ or in hockey terms, if you hit someone, they’re going to fall down. Size and physicality really do make a difference in the game as the physics engine uses these and other player attributes to produce a variety of unique outcomes with every hit or jostle for the puck.

  Yeah, these players are already hard to knock down in NHL 10, probably the same in NHL 11.  Let’s make it harder.  It’ll probably be more realistic, but we’ll see.

 

You’re now able to roof shots in tight and tuck pucks around the goalie, which means that battling for space in front of the net has never been more important.      2 Things  1) Roof shots is awesome, ‘cause that’s how all NHL’ers do it.  2) Battling for space is only important in EASHL and OTP.

 

Forwards and defensemen will now engage with each other in front of the net to battle for space in the toughest area on the ice.    This is HUGE for EASHL and OTP.  Definitely will make playing D more fun.

• Improved puck physics – the puck will roll on end from rebounds, saves and dump-ins; players with lower puck control ratings will need a split second extra to corral the puck
• Smoother cycling down low – players working in the corners can curl and grab the puck without losing speed
• Skate with intent logic – players will automatically skate quicker breaking through the neutral zone towards open ice
• New hustle/fatigue skating animations – skaters will pump their legs faster but will also drop their head and skate slower if tired
• Line changes – Forwards and defenseman will enter and exit through the appropriate door; defenseman using the door closest to their own end and forwards the door further up ice
• Authentic helmet rules – If a player loses their helmet in an NHL game they will keep playing; in the CHL they will automatically leave the ice

The bold items are the most important.. even the improved puck physics hopefully will be good.

 

 

Most importantly, you’ll realize that the AI no longer plays exclusively to an “I’m on offense” or “I’m on defense” mentality, but will be more fluid and responsive, ready to adapt to quick changes in possession and gameplay.

 

Hopefully, that’s true.  Make it harder for people on EASHL to do the same thing over and over.  The cross crease gets old and rather dull both on O and D.

 

 

Goalies aren’t magnetized to their crease anymore.  Can get run over and push against the guys screening in front.  At first I didn’t think it was big, but after seeing the video, it makes it look more fluid and realistic.