NHL hockey hasn't been terribly relevant since the early '90s, when the New York Rangers hoisted the Stanley Cup and EA launched its breakout NHL franchise on the Sega Genesis. But by the late '90s—after the Wayne Gretzky head-bleeding sequence in Swingers—EA's NHL games went way downhill, embracing arcade-style speed, and tossing realism into the penalty box. But like Mario Lemieux taking to the ice again, the once-storied series has officially completed its comeback with NHL 08.
Last season, the game included what many felt was the first true next-gen feature, when EA moved stick-handling and shooting to the right analog stick. This year, the game is demonstrably improved—not only is the shooting stick more nuanced, the redone skating engine is finely tuned, and it makes cruising around the ice a complete joy. The A.I. is smart, too—players stay onsides during a power play, and defenders adapt as the game goes on. Pass out to the point for a booming slapshot too often, and they'll charge your defense and force you to work it in low for great opportunities. The game's biggest issue is the goalie play, as net-minders don't have enough holes—going five-hole is very rare. You won't get a rush from every goal, as they don't all feel unique, as they do in games like Pro Evolution Soccer.