NHL/AHL Strategy Sites?

[JohnnytheSkin]

Since the AI is so good in this game, and they learn tendencies and strategies...any websites out there that detail hockey strategy for us casual fans?

[Seahawk76]

I'd like to know this, too. Can anyone provide a few basic tips on when to use different plays or defenses, when to use the saucer pass instead of the regular pass, etc.? Or point me to a site that might have this? I love this game but it's very challenging for those of us who haven't played a lot of console hockey before.

[Splitter77]

I just started scoring- I think if you use the points and pass D to D, it gets the cpu ai moving around a bit, it gets your guy open in the slot.

my money move is passing back to the point, pass d to d a couple times, then down low to a winger along the wall, then a quick pass in the slot, for a one-timer.

[Fraserburn]

Quote: Originally Posted by Seahawk76

I'd like to know this, too. Can anyone provide a few basic tips on when to use different plays or defenses, when to use the saucer pass instead of the regular pass, etc.? Or point me to a site that might have this? I love this game but it's very challenging for those of us who haven't played a lot of console hockey before.

well for starters you only need to use a saucer if you have to get it over an opposing players stick. Its highly unreliable and SLOW. I'd only use it if you are trying to go across box (player with the pick is on the side boards in the offensive zone and he wants to pass it to the slot past a defender)
or if you are leaving your zone and you have a guy close to you but with a defender in the way. for the most part its best to stick with the regular pass

I find myself thinking of the same ways to help you with NHL 08 that I do when i'm teaching the Hockey Team that I coach

IF you could get more specific with your questions i'd be happy to answer

[JohnnytheSkin]

Quote: Originally Posted by Fraserburn

I find myself thinking of the same ways to help you with NHL 08 that I do when i'm teaching the Hockey Team that I coach IF you could get more specific with your questions i'd be happy to answer

I'm thinking about offensive strategy and the stuff the game gives you between periods. I know cycling, but what about offense from deep in the zone? From the circle?

Game help on "D" would be nice too...when to poke, when to check, and what the grab button does and when to use that (can't recall the actual name).

[Seahawk76]

Quote: Originally Posted by Fraserburn

well for starters you only need to use a saucer if you have to get it over an opposing players stick. Its highly unreliable and SLOW. I'd only use it if you are trying to go across box (player with the pick is on the side boards in the offensive zone and he wants to pass it to the slot past a defender) or if you are leaving your zone and you have a guy close to you but with a defender in the way. for the most part its best to stick with the regular pass I find myself thinking of the same ways to help you with NHL 08 that I do when i'm teaching the Hockey Team that I coach IF you could get more specific with your questions i'd be happy to answer

Thanks for the tip on the saucer pass. I guess I want to know if there is any strategy to using the different basic offenses and defenses that are cycled by pushing the X and B buttons. I sometimes push the button to change plays or defenses without really knowing if that's a good strategy against what the CPU is doing.

[plasticbeast]

I need basic help... what is cycling? is that just passing the puck around the offensive zone?

On "D" should you guard a zone on the ice or try to man up another player?

Hockey is the sport that I know the least about strategy wise.

[AirTimid]

Quote: Originally Posted by plasticbeast

I need basic help... what is cycling? is that just passing the puck around the offensive zone?

A strategy based on protecting and moving the puck along the boards in the offensive zone. Forwards "cycle" the puck to each other by kicking it or passing it along the boards, or by leaving it behind when they are checked by a defending player. An effective cycle will tire defenders and bring them out of position, freeing up a forward for a scoring chance.