I agree with this. One thing that has frustrated me about some EA titles inclucing this one (as well as the MVP '05), is that they don't offer options for shorter seasons any more. I know most of you guys are die hard and have no problem playing 82 games, but that is too much for me....not to mention that I like to dabble with the AHL and international tournaments.
As for sliders, a simple goalie slider would have really helped my enjoyment of the game. A few options with the clock would have been nice too...I didn't really like the way it sped up and slowed down at certain points of the game (I know that I am in the minority on this one).
I have my fingers crossed on a few of these things for '09.