Community Manager
@PlayoffError wrote:
The two most egregious issues though are the extreme-angle short-side shots that goalies just can't handle and also goalies knocking pucks into their own net when trying to cover a loose puck. Of the two the short-side problem is the biggest one for me. It basically forces defenders to be much more aggressive against offensive players in what should be completely non-dangerous positions because you have to worry that a shot from there is going to beat the goalie when it never should. This opens up other, actual high-danger plays because defenders get pulled out of position.
The team is aware of these 2 goals you've mentioned. The extreme angle short-side and goalies knocking the puck into their own net. Hopefully, we see these improved in the future. They're definitely very frustrating.
I have had to play more aggressive this year. Better to take away the opportunity than give them time to get a shot on net. The downside is that this can lead to a lack of coverage that let teams set up good scoring chances
Community Manager
@KlariskraysNHL wrote:
@EA_Aljo I personally think making the defender have to do more is the better option. Let's be honest if they shore up the short side shot even more that goalie is getting toasted far side unless they making goalies godlike in side to side movement.
Then i truly believe you need a center who can read a play and know where and how to cover for a defender.
Agreed with your comment about having a good center. Which, I do. He's more defensive minded than offense and makes for a great backup defender since I am playing more aggressively at times. It also depends how your opponents are playing though. Within the first period we can determine their go-to plays and better anticipate what they're going to do. Your goalie is your last line of defense. We try to have their job be as easy as possible. Chances are good that when a goal is scored against us, it's due to a break down in defense more than an issue with the goalie. Of course, goalies could use improving though. I'm definitely not saying they're fine.
The last several years we've had complaints about the short side. I always said if we make this harder, it's going to be easier to score on the far side. Hopefully, we can find a good balance so neither are exploited. Both are good ways to score in the real world. I'd like to see that better implemented in our game as well, but there most likely will always be goals that are easier to score than others. Which then just continues the cycle of teams setting up for the same shot over and over again. Thankfully, that means those teams are easier to defend against. The truly challenging ones are teams that have amazing chemistry and know how to set up good plays.
When I played Junior these shots were common, especially blocker side since it's their weaker end. Although that might be the goalie would adjust their play and cover those common areas. The opposing team would then have to setup by cycling the puck looking for a reasonable shot on net. In these games it was more defensive than offensive since the physicality added to the gameplay. As a D-man the job was to drive the opposing players to the outside laying them out before entering the zone. Strong-side D-men went for the check, while the weak-side covered the middle of the ice driving the right side opponents to the outside also. Goalies at a competitive level knew how to position properly and would stop the same shot if it was repeated numerous times. NHL 23 the goalies don't adapt and let in weak goals. It was costly for a GWC competitor to lose out based off a goal that bounced off the boards and went into the net when the goalie was staring right at it. Waiting for NHL 24 to fix things is too long of a way giving the current product is unacceptable for what we paid full for. Need to fix it or give us compensation to match the quality.
Community ManagerThanks for all the feedback. For sure appreciate it!
The problem with having goalies adapt is that if a team goes for the same shot over and over again, it probably means they're going to be more prepared for that shot. All a team needs to do then is change up their play and have an easier chance scoring differently. For example, if they spend all game going far side and in the 3rd go for the short side, it might be something to be exploited. However, it's also on the opposing players to recognize this and adapt. Regardless, goalies are incredibly complex. I understand they have their faults, but making them behave completely like a real human is probably not going to happen anytime soon. I imagine there's always going to be higher percentage ways to score.
Community ManagerThanks for the input. I know we've had requests in the past to be able to do some customization to your AI players. I'll pass on the feedback.
