I struggle to score on this game as well. It had been a few years since I had a hockey game and decided to get NHL 18.
I used to score a lot off 1-timers and could fake out Goalies on Breakaways, but can't score near as much on those on this game. Goalies really move over quickly. Using the right stick to deke is more difficult than just using the left like I could on old games.
Also, the computer, seems to deflect most passes that they are close to.
On 2 on 1's, it is hard to get the pass thru for the 1-timer on NHL 18. Any way to avoid them intercepting/deflecting these passes?