meh, I've played hockey for over 20 years too and I think this is the best version of the game I've played out of the last 5 years. I don't know how someone can think 15 or 16 is better....maybe 14 was better.
Is it real hockey? haha, no. Never played a hockey video game that comes even close. All I know is I think its more realistic and plays better than the past few years.
I understand people's gripes about goalies being stuck in animations, but this is the first game in the last 5 years on HUT where I've seen rebound goals actually happen, and the slot in front of the net is actually useful for once instead of just scoring with the a deke/one-timer/wrist shot cheese.
As far as goalies, I play HUT with an 85 Elliot and his save % is 90.