@EA_Aljo wrote:
@KidShowtime1867
How much does that really add to the game though? I like the added realism of it, but it just seems unnecessary. Especially with the shortened periods we have. It would also make injuries almost pointless since you could just switch to a different player while they recover on the bench.
I think line changes would absolutely change the way the game is played in multiple aspects. My idea of line changes in its simplest design, is two circles at each door of the bench big enough for one person that refills your stamina back to full when you come to a full stop. No other methods, except maybe x-factor triggers like a born leader, or a stoppage of play etc., will you get your stamina back making it so it only depletes as you use it throughout play.
What this does is open up more of the ice, allowing for more opportunities to out play each other. As a Defenseman, I never have to leave the penalty box side of the ice and can shadow my winger the whole time. The penalty box side is supposed to be more dangerous because of how far it is to skate across back into position from the bench which doesn't translate in this game. The 5man NZ trap meta exists because of the lack of line changing. Everyone skates back on their side of the ice to play their role. No switching sides whatsoever causes zero confusion and zero opportunities for the attackers to capitalize on that confusion.
This would also allow another small skill increase to players for "changing" at the right time vs a bad time. Teams playing it safe to get the puck in the ozone so their defense can go refill. Most people do not try these dump and chase methods because they just go back and reset the play entirely while their teammates get their stamina back to full.
You can't try any 1on1 moves because their is always a full or even half stamina guy behind you skating back at full speed as they know they can just coast for a bit afterwards and get back 25% of it quickly. On top of this, every 1v1 move slows your forward momentum making it even more difficult to perform anything without someone on top of you by the time you are out of that animation.
The highest scoring period in hockey is usually the second because in the second, the bench is on the other teams side of the ice which causes issues for line changing (3rd because of EN goals). Again there is no translation to this in the game and I think line changing would help benefit this.
In relation to the injuries, you could make it so your player is actually limping or moving really slowly to get to the bench when he is injured and then when he has reached the bench, he could have his stamina return to full but have that small reduction in stats that we currently have in game. So now you have an advantage while he "goes for a change" and then a small advantage in stats while he is recovering from the injury itself.
