Getting better on defense in ESPN NHL

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Sun Sep 14, 2003 1:06 am

Boys:
 
 After wondering if I ever was going to keep a team to less than 35 shots on goal in a Pro level game on ESPN NHL, I´m getting better.
 
 A few tips, from my puck-riddled experience: <IMG SRC="images/forum/icons/icon_wink.gif">
 
 1. Play positional defense. Man, I can´t emphasize this enough. Keep your defensemen at home. Don´t chase the puck. This is way more important than NHL 2K3 because the poke check -- your best friend when out of position in NHL 2K3 -- isn´t nearly as effective in ESPN NHL, thankfully.
 
 2. Backcheck. When you know a dump-and-chase or passing attack on offense is breaking down or you´re outnumbered, switch control to a forward and backcheck like a bastard. Head for your end with vigor and mark an opposing forward.
 
 3. Use the hook and sweep check. The hook is B (Xbox) and the left trigger with advanced controls. It´s effective for slowing the offensive charge. The sweep check is Y and the left trigger, and it´s a good last resort when you´re beaten or back-checking.
 
 4. Turn the game speed down to 3. It´s only two clicks less than default, and it gives you more time to set up on offense and defense. I think it´s more realistic, and you can use different game speeds online. Right now, speed, penalties and fights are the only sliders I´m touching. I do need to find more realistic fatigue sliders for offline games, though, so my third and fourth lines get more ice time.
 
 5. Cover up the puck with your goalie. If CPU skaters are swarming around the goal, don´t try to be a hero by passing with your goalie. Often those passes are intercepted for easy shots. Cover up and rely on your centers to try to win the draws. It´s a higher-percentage defensive play than trying to pass in traffic with the goalie.
 
 These little things are helping me keep CPU shot totals under better control. Does anyone have any more tips?
 
 Take care,
 PK [ This message was edited by: pk500 on 13-09-2003 22:09 ]

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Sun Sep 14, 2003 1:25 am

Those are pretty much the same tips I would have. Although I need to come up with a few more since I just got beat by the Lightning 7-2 on All-Star so now I´m 2-2 on my season. That was one ugly game this morning.

GROGtheNailer · Post by **GROGtheNailer** » Sun Sep 14, 2003 1:35 am

I´ll add another, using boards to get out can be your best friend, sometimes just the simple dump out can save your ass, hell the AI does it too...nice touch.
 
 Had an awesome game against my son earlier, game winded down...I was up 4-3 and then got that F´ing .1 freeze up....could of kicked in my Xbox. Thought that was gone this year.