| | Power Play Tips
There's more to EA SPORTS' NHL® 2005 than the expected graphics improvements and expanded Dynasty mode. Xbox Live™ play, naturally, is one especially welcome addition, as are the new gameplay features like the powerful Open Ice control. To top it off, NHL coach Mark Crawford makes a welcome return.
Crawford is once again on hand to provide video tips that will take your game to the next level. And, just for you, I've taken the liberty of translating his tips here (after all, it's hard to watch a video in the middle of a game). But, be sure to watch them, too, lazybones.
It all begins with the face-off.
Face-off Formation
NHL 2005 gives you unprecedented control of your team on and off the ice. One of the most important things to learn is how your face-off formations affect your team's gameplay. To choose a new face-off formation, use the left thumbstick before the drop to choose Conservative, Standard, or Aggressive.
Aggressive formation gives you the best chance for a breakaway or goal, so this is the best choice when the drop is near the opposing goal. From there, you can choose from a series of off-the-drop plays that combine the left thumbstick and the A, X, and B buttons. You can kick the puck back to your defensemen, drive a shot from the drop, keep control of the puck, and perform other moves, depending on where you stand on the ice. You have to hit the right button just as the puck hits the ice, so while it does take practice, the rewards are obvious.
Deke It
Once you have the puck, you'll want to eventually take a shot. The longer you hold the X or B button, the stronger your shot will be. The X button gives you a Wrist shot—useful up close if you're being crowded—while B button gives you a more powerful slap shot. You can also use the left trigger and Y for dekes that are unique to each player. The more you practice, the better you'll get at matching up your deke styles to opposing team members.
Open Ice
Open Ice is the new "wow" feature, and it's crucial to success in the latest version of this series. Open Ice control (press the white button) is the most direct way to use it and puts the puck in control of teammate A.I. as you switch over to another player. You can use this to set up shots, call for a pass (press A), plan a Wraparound shot (another new feature), and ask the A.I. to take the shot. You can also use a less direct form of Open Ice control, Open Ice Support, to have your teammates attempt to tie up a defender near the goal, for example. Just press the black button.
The Wraparound
Another offensive edition for NHL 2005 is the much-requested Wraparound shot. If you can skate around behind the opposing goal with the puck, you can tap the B button to attempt a Wraparound shot that hooks the puck around the corner edge of the goal and into the net. This new feature is an excellent and authentic addition that can lead to miraculous saves … and shocking defeats.
On the Rebound
You can even make shots that are passes in disguise—or as they're called in hockey, rebounds. Set up rebounds by taking an intentional failed shot that ricochets off the goalie to a teammate that's closer to the goal. Shoot low and wide, or the goalie will snag it. You'll likely tie up the opposing goalie with the move and be able to slam in a goal more easily. 
Ladies and gentlemen, the Wraparound.
Mark Crawford's Offense Tips (Translated) - Overload: High-quality support for the puck carrier with two different players to pass to. Hard for goalies to block and forces the defense to really choose which way to go. And, since you have more options …
- Crash the Net: Good for lots of big strong guys. It's a three-pronged attack that's great when your opposing defense is more scattered. You can use defenders like pinball posts here for rebound shots.
- Behind the Net: For teams with good puck control low in the zone. Send one guy down low with the puck and around behind the net. Then, when the defense makes its move to the center, pass to your stronger shooter for a shot that's dangerous. If you miss, you've probably lost puck control, but it's effective overall.
Get Defensive
Once again, if you're defending, check your face-off formation. If your defensemen are getting outrun and overdone by opposing forwards, go Conservative. (Believe me, that's something I thought I'd never say, but this is hockey, so I guess it's okay.) The Conservative formation is great defending your goal, holding your defenders back, and keeping the A.I. from getting too many crazy ideas. You can always switch back to aggressive as needed. What? There's a middle ground called Standard? Bah!
Of course, you're playing defense, so you want to know how to stick it to the opposing player. In front of or beside an opponent, tap X for a pole check, a hook, or other special defensive moves. You can also use X to tie up an opponent or even slam the other player against the wall. When B is your offensive shot button, you won't be able to block with it. Otherwise, hit B to make a spectacular diving block if you're far from the puck. Up close, it'll be a basic block.
But, I know you. You want to knock someone's teeth out. Okay, Y is essentially the "punch" button. Throw a painful body block at an opponent and add oomph with the right thumbstick and Y. Press longer to hit harder. But, you don't always have to go for the jaw-shatterer. Even small hits and blocks are useful, so know when to really go for it. 
Sometimes you have to get a little physical.
Mark Crawford's Defense Tips (Translated) - Collapsing: Keep anything from happening in the slot (mid-ice area) by collapsing the defensemen. Make the offense shoot from the outside, which you shouldn't be worried about. Basically, build a wall and don't let anyone over.
- Staggered Coverage: This option gives you the slot coverage for the Collapsing maneuver, but with more choices outside. You still have three defenders down low, but keep the forward up high and let the fifth player go wide on the side, as a sort of roving stickman.
- Tight Point: If your opponent has defensive players that are great at long shots, you'll need to keep some of yours ready to tie them up. Despite its name, Tight Point is in many ways the most scattered defense, but if you keep getting lit up on long goals, it's the way to go.
By Ben Barker |
