I am not a big sports game type of person.  In fact, I haven't bought a sports game for my 360 yet (with the exception of Fight Night).  However, I do want to get one of these games because I sort of want to get back into sports games.  I don't care much about the sport, but Madden and NHL are the two I am looking at.  What game is BETTER? I don't care what sport, just the better game.  I played NHL 09's demo and liked it and I also played Madden's demo and enjoyed it but the IQ thing was pretty stupid in my opinion. 

They are both solid games, but NHL 09 has so many great features.  The Be a Pro mode is awesome and it ties in perfectly with the EA Sports Hockey League.

NHL hands down, madden is ok but nhl feels like a much better game, even if you dont know much about hockey it is still a fun and easy game to play

NHL 09. No question.

nhl 09 is amazing

anyone can enjoy NHL09 even playing it againts friends madden if you dont know football you are pretty well fucked

This shouldn't even be a question NHL 09 is the most enjoyable most polished, thought out, complete experience I've had on my PS3 not sports, but games in general.  It's fantastic.

Madden is great for people who are into the details of sports - you need to be able to pick the right play at the right time in order to be successful. NHL is great for those who don't want to focus on what play to run or aren't as serious about their sports games, and want an action packed non-stop singleplayer or multiplayer experience - Madden has a much more stop-n-go feel.

I have liked NHL 09 more than any other sports game, and I think I will a ton of time online, let alone the single player.