Setting up screens?

[Drifter2000]

So this is something I've struggled with since I started playing NHL 09's Dynasty mode. Coming from the 2k series where this was actually a coaching option, I'm wondering if there's a way to get one of your AI team mates to screen the goalie?

I find it impossible to get a realistic power play working with shots from the point because none of my AI team mates will screen the damn goalie. Here I am with three or four guys on the blue line who can actually get the puck through, but the netminder always has a clear view of the puck while the guy closest to the next is so far away he's practically standing next to the boards.

Any ideas or suggestions? Perhaps I'm missing something obvious here.

[canucksss]

Re: Setting up screens?

i was hoping this will be addressed by the patch. i have some problem with you. all the option for PP (shooting, umbrella etc) dont screen the goalie, so its hard to do it. likewise, the AI dont screen your goalie.

[LP]

Re: Setting up screens?

Creating plays is the best way to make this happen.

[catcatch22]

Re: Setting up screens?

I actually scored alot of goals this way offline, not as much as I did in 08. Online getting a screened goal is few and far between without glitching.

[LanteriX]

Re: Setting up screens?

I actually scored alot of goals this way offline, not as much as I did in 08. Online getting a screened goal is few and far between without glitching.

Yeah, screening Human goalies is pretty useless for the most part, because the camera angle allows them to see the entire offensive zone, which obviously isn't realistic.

You can definitely screen the computer goalies though. Problem is, most people online don't bother setting up an offense and would rather just try one time passes through the crease all day.

BTW, I think I've run into you a few times online lately cat in the early AMs. At least I think that was you anyway.

[catcatch22]

Re: Setting up screens?

Yeah, screening Human goalies is pretty useless for the most part, because the camera angle allows them to see the entire offensive zone, which obviously isn't realistic.

You can definitely screen the computer goalies though. Problem is, most people online don't bother setting up an offense and would rather just try one time passes through the crease all day.

BTW, I think I've run into you a few times online lately cat in the early AMs. At least I think that was you anyway.

Yes I play late, so it was probably me.

[LanteriX]

Re: Setting up screens?

Yes I play late, so it was probably me.

Cool, well if you've played against, um who have I been lately..Adam Oates, or Phil Kessel then that was me, heh.

[Drifter2000]

Re: Setting up screens?

Creating plays is the best way to make this happen.

I had actually thought about doing that but I got into the create a play feature, got annoyed and left it. I'll have to actually take my time and try to set something up.

This is something EA seriously need to look at putting in next year. Screening goalies is one of the more common ways to score, especially during power plays. The fact there's no way to set your team to do this during gameplay without making the play yourself is a bit of a let down.

[Qb]

Re: Setting up screens?

I had actually thought about doing that but I got into the create a play feature, got annoyed and left it. I'll have to actually take my time and try to set something up.

It can be frustrating since it's a lot of trial & error, but believe me, it is well worth it. Not only can you generate more traffic in front of the net, but you can really get some good cycling action if you set up your plays to do so. I played a buddy head-to-head the other night and he had to ask me after the game what the hell I did to get my guys to move so much in the offensive zone. He commented that I was difficult to stop because I always had someone down low for the pass and people in front for screens/rebounds...

[Drifter2000]

Re: Setting up screens?

Just thought I'd throw in a quick update since I started tinkering with creating plays.

I haven't perfected it yet, but I'm noticing a distinctive difference on quality chances on the two power plays I've had since I started making plays myself. Lots of traffic in front, attempted deflections that are more realistic; the whole nine yards.

Is there any way to change between the different plays you're running? I have two different plays made for the Umbrella set up on the PP but it only lets me run one of them despite have different triggers for both.

[LP]

Re: Setting up screens?

Just thought I'd throw in a quick update since I started tinkering with creating plays.

I haven't perfected it yet, but I'm noticing a distinctive difference on quality chances on the two power plays I've had since I started making plays myself. Lots of traffic in front, attempted deflections that are more realistic; the whole nine yards.

Is there any way to change between the different plays you're running? I have two different plays made for the Umbrella set up on the PP but it only lets me run one of them despite have different triggers for both.

The plays mirror themselves in-game. Say you have it at the top of the umbrella, and the trigger is to skate left, skating right will trigger a mirror of that play. To avoid this problem, start your other plays by skating backwards or forwards a bit, before your intended movements.

EDIT: Why the hell am I helping a Leafs fan? :wink:

[ClarkKent]

Re: Setting up screens?

I use created plays as well, have about 15-18 in total and most are for setting screens(have a few give and go plays from the side boards, 1 for pinching D and another for a backdoor play that works quite well) which EA really needs to address. The players are so static out there once they get setup, there needs to be some logic to when the puck goes to the point that 1 or 2 guys go to the net and not wait behind it.

[IBYCFOTA]

Re: Setting up screens?

Even if you get a forward in front of the net he just gets abused by the CPU defenders if he stays in the slot for more than a second. You can rough guys up in front of the net in real hockey, but not nearly to this extent. I hope NHL 2010 is more realistic in regards to clearing out the front of the net.

[Drifter2000]

Re: Setting up screens?

EWhy the hell am I helping a Leafs fan? :wink:

Because I'm so suave and handsome? :wink: Thanks a lot though LP, I'll give your suggestion a try. I had noticed it mirrors the play but for whatever reason that didn't register with me at all.

I also agree with the other posters on two points:

1. The AI is very robotic and just goes through the same motions every time. Very boring and unrealistic.

2. Defenders clearing the front of the net with BRUTAL cross checks is extremely annoying. In real life this would be penalty city. Obviously instead of letting defenders box players out; EA took the cheap and easy route and just made them cross checking machines. Not good.