New to the Game

[alemic]

I just started playing NHL 14 for the first time when the early released came out and have to say I have really enjoying the game. I think its mainly because I know very little (basically nothing) about hockey compared to football and basketball and I really have no idea if what I am playing is unrealistic. That being said I have a few questions about things I am seeing in game and how to prevent them.

1. What exactly is icing? From what I have seen its basically a coin flip when you try to pass (or maybe shoot) from one side of the blue line and it crosses both sides without being touched by your player?

2. What is your average NHL score? I have only had 1 1-0 game and it was in fact my only shutout on the season. Normally I am seeing games that are around 3-4 with a 1-2 point victory.

3. Overtime tie? Even though I lost two games in overtime I still tied. Though the one time I did win I am pretty sure I received the win. I am guessing there are no ties and the 2 "ties" I am seeing are just overtime losses?

4. I started a GM mode as the Carolina Hurricanes. Currently I am 25 games into the season with a 12-11-2 record. I am just trying to figure out if I am doing on par with what you guys think the Hurricanes should do this season? Also what are the key position needs or surplus that I should look at getting/removing?

[Schmackity]

Re: New to the Game

I just started playing NHL 14 for the first time when the early released came out and have to say I have really enjoying the game. I think its mainly because I know very little (basically nothing) about hockey compared to football and basketball and I really have no idea if what I am playing is unrealistic. That being said I have a few questions about things I am seeing in game and how to prevent them.

1. What exactly is icing? From what I have seen its basically a coin flip when you try to pass (or maybe shoot) from one side of the blue line and it crosses both sides without being touched by your player?

2. What is your average NHL score? I have only had 1 1-0 game and it was in fact my only shutout on the season. Normally I am seeing games that are around 3-4 with a 1-2 point victory.

3. Overtime tie? Even though I lost two games in overtime I still tied. Though the one time I did win I am pretty sure I received the win. I am guessing there are no ties and the 2 "ties" I am seeing are just overtime losses?

4. I started a GM mode as the Carolina Hurricanes. Currently I am 25 games into the season with a 12-11-2 record. I am just trying to figure out if I am doing on par with what you guys think the Hurricanes should do this season? Also what are the key position needs or surplus that I should look at getting/removing?

1) If it crosses two of the lines (minimum) in the middle of the rink and goes beyond the red line that is parallel with the net, it's icing if the other team touches it first. If you touch it first, you can play it.

2) It depends, the game isn't overly realistic in the ones you play but it can be anywhere around 3-4 goals per team per game.

3) NHL rules that if you get to Overtime, you get 1pt in the standings. If you win in Overtime or shootout you get 2pts. The other team just gets 1pt. Real life, it uses overtime wins as a tie breaker between teams for playoffs with the same record. Shootout wins aren't used (minus the 1pt the team gets in the standings)

4) I generally look at the ratings of the team and go from there, usually decent defensemen are good to stock up on. But don't overpay for someone.

[adayinthelife]

Re: New to the Game

1) If it crosses two of the lines (minimum) in the middle of the rink and goes beyond the red line that is parallel with the net, it's icing if the other team touches it first. If you touch it first, you can play it.

2) It depends, the game isn't overly realistic in the ones you play but it can be anywhere around 3-4 goals per team per game.

3) NHL rules that if you get to Overtime, you get 1pt in the standings. If you win in Overtime or shootout you get 2pts. The other team just gets 1pt. Real life, it uses overtime wins as a tie breaker between teams for playoffs with the same record. Shootout wins aren't used (minus the 1pt the team gets in the standings)

4) I generally look at the ratings of the team and go from there, usually decent defensemen are good to stock up on. But don't overpay for someone.

Just to simplify this point, it's if you shoot/pass the puck from your side of the centre ice red line.

As for the Hurricanes specifically, that's probably a little better than they would do, but it's not that far off really. They finished last year with a record of 19-25-4 in the shortened season. I agree with the above, good D always a good thing to have. Personally, I love having a mix of guys who can move the puck, guys who can really hit and at least 1 guy with a big time slap shot.

[franch1se]

Re: New to the Game

Just to simplify this point, it's if you shoot/pass the puck from your side of the centre ice red line.

As for the Hurricanes specifically, that's probably a little better than they would do, but it's not that far off really. They finished last year with a record of 19-25-4 in the shortened season. I agree with the above, good D always a good thing to have. Personally, I love having a mix of guys who can move the puck, guys who can really hit and at least 1 guy with a big time slap shot.

I love being a Kings fan for this. Pretty much fit into that category of having the D you like.

[adayinthelife]

Re: New to the Game

I love being a Kings fan for this. Pretty much fit into that category of having the D you like.

Sure do! I like what the Blues have too. And man, if the Flyers had've been successful with that Shea Weber offer sheet...

It's funny, but this actually has an impact on which team I do BaGM with every year (I try to switch it up year to year). One of the first thing I look for is a solid D core and/or a team that has the ability to have one with a couple moves.

[JezFranco]

Re: New to the Game

1) If it crosses two of the lines (minimum) in the middle of the rink and goes beyond the red line that is parallel with the net, it's icing if the other team touches (not counting the goalie)it first. If you touch it first, you can play it.

A few additions to the Icing Rule. (also added red above)

If you're shorthanded, PK (say 4-on-5) you can go ahead an clear the puck as much as you want, no icing then.

If you clear the puck directly in the goal, there is no icing (of course).

And quite important, especially in the end of periods, and late in the game when players are tired; If you "ice a puck" (the ref calls an icing on your team) you are not allowed to do a line change before the face off following the icing.
That means your opponent can put in a fresh line to take the face off, while you must keep the same fatigued players on the ice.
Perfect time to take a time out (the lines will get some strength back).

The icing rule is also "nullified" (no icing) if the puck goes through the goal crease or if the goalie moves towards the puck on it's way to crossing the red line (exactly how/if this works within the game itself, I'll let be unsaid).

In the international rules, the icing is called immediately when the puck has crossed the red line [that is parallel with the net]. No matter who touches the puck first.
Just good to know, in case you try out an international tourney or play a few games from some of the European leagues.