NHL 10
There is only 2 hockey games out for both systems and NHL 10 is the best one. I really have not played GM mode or Be A Pro mode. But from what I here it is pretty good. Minor flaws in GM mode with trades and stats. My opinions are from online play.
First off, the biggest complaint I have with this game is the AI. The goalie's AI in paticular needs more work. There are saves made where you will be amazed on how he made the save, but then there are many saves that the goalie misses because of bad AI. You can pass across the crease all day and 9 out 10 times the goalie will not poke at it. Most of the time it ends up in a one timer goal. I do have to give it to EA though, the goalie saves are amazing. Besides the cross crease and other small problems, the goalie is not as easy to score on.
Other problems with the game is the lift stick and board play. If you do not stick lift the right way you will get a high stick or hook. Sometimes you will get a 5 min major and misconduct. Very frustrating. The board play is really bad. It is like your being sucked in when you board play. What really makes me mad is when you pass the puck along the boards and people online will board play you so you do not get the puck. In real life this is holding, and a 2 min penalty.
In hockey your forecheck is very important and in this game your forecheck is a no show. You can dump or pass the puck into the zone and the D always gets the puck. In some cases the AI for the D can hurt you. CPU penalties will make you want to break the game. There is no reason that your team mate is trying to stick lift 5 tims in a row. Or my favorite diving when your opponent is on a break away. Mind you I am on him from the side.
You never really feel your fighting for the puck along the boards. The passing is a little more realistic this year. Which is great. So watch where you pass the puck. You will pass it away or turn the puck over. The D AI is a little better as well. Mistakes will hurt you in this game. Online in paticular. Again since the passing is more realistic, you need to be careful and pay attention to where your team mates are at.
Like always the offense is pretty tough. Playing good and smart D is a must. If you like Hockey this is the game for you. Every year this game gets better. I love all sports and next to MLB The Show this game is maybe the closest your going to get to real life. With adjustment to the AI, boardplay, and forechecks. This game can be a 5 out of 5 stars.