A very important aspect of the game is the strategies. You can change them from the pause-menu or with the directional buttons. I usually change them before the first faceoff, when the players are on the ice. I do this because otherwise the changes won't stick to the whole team.
If I'm playing a weak opponent I often choose an aggressive strategy like Puck side/High pressure - Staggered/Tight point + an aggressive forecheck and attack. This might of course lead to breakaways so if I play a good opponent I often change to less aggressive forecheck and attack.
You may want to consider starting out with a not too aggressive tactic. This way you can feel your opponent out. Perhaps he allways goes for onetimers from behind the net - thus you may want to change to Collapsing - if you do however, your opponent will have an easier time moving the puck into your zone.
I think you really need to try out what works for you. Also change things up depending on if you're behind or ahead. If you're behind 10 minutes in to the third period at least I would go for High pressure - Tight point - 3-2 forecheck and All out attack.
Found some more useful EASHL-tips.
Looking at different forums I've seen complaints about one-timers not resulting in goals very often. This is true. In previous games it was easier to score with one-timers. I actually think NHL 09 is more realistic, since it's harder to aim when you take a quick shot at a moving puck. Another reason for one-timers not working is the fact that the AI learns from you moves. If you keep doing the same kind of one-timers all the time, the goalie will notice and adjust to that.
So you need to change things up. Here's a few examples:
First a standard one-timer, 2 on 1.
Next time when I make the same move, the goalie recognizes the situation and makes a great save.
So I need to change my play. Fore instance instead of taking a direct shot I pass the puck back - let's call it a two-timer.
Also I should take some direct shots.
Now If I keep mixing my approach in the offensive zone up the goalie can't be sure as to what I will do - this makes scoring much easier. RS is also of importance - try to move it up as straight as possible, as this affects your aim.
I'd love to pull this off online but it's damn hard (for me at least) to time the last move just before the goalie pokes with his stick.
While I'm at it I might as well show a couple of other ways to score. Some better than others, though. My tip is to practice your deke inthe team practice mode, 1 on 0.
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