Defensive interceptions and forced passes
https://www.xbox.com/play/media/UqwkfaLLvv I'll keep it short and semi-sweet. Play in question begins around the 20-second mark. 2-on-1 situation. Forced pass all the way from the boards to the far...
Forum Discussion
EA_Aljo I wanted to get your thoughts on this clip.
https://www.xbox.com/play/media/q84Q3VssNB
I'm defending a rush attempt. Puck carrier is near the boards and I'm defending against Rakell for Pittsburgh. I'm in the passing lane and I'm close to Rakell, which I've been told numerous times on these boards is the optimal way to defend this situation. Puck carrier makes a saucer pass which my player seems to start to make a play on, then ignores. Rakell reaches through my player and grabs the puck and gets a shot on goal.
For context, here's Rakell's stats vs. mine.
Rakell: https://www.xbox.com/play/media/fDrRk2TBUz
Me: https://www.xbox.com/play/media/gLwjSSdaH4
As you can see, I have 94 defensive awareness vs. his 85, 89 hand-eye vs. his 87, and 86 offensive awareness vs. his 87. He only bests me in one category relevant to this play by a single point. I also have silver quick pick on this build.
So, why do I not win this battle? He had one-point higher offensive awareness, but I have 94 defensive awareness and quick pick. Surely 87 offensive awareness shouldn't win out over that combo, no? And while it was a saucer pass, I have higher hand-eye and am in better position to receive the pass. And, yet my player simply refuses to make any sort of play on the puck. Why? I don't understand.
- EA_Aljo
Community Manager
I'll see what I can find out. Keep in mind though that even real world pros don't pick up every interception they seemingly should as well. You're never really guaranteed an interception is going to happen. Your chances are higher though due to positioning and ability ratings. Typically, as gamers, we feel there should always be a guaranteed outcome if we're playing right. Hockey is an incredibly random sport and we try to replicate that in the game. It's no easy task to get perfect. I just think it might be best to set expectations more accordingly for plays like this where there isn't an obvious issue not causing the pick up.
I'll let you know when I have more details.I appreciate your response, and I definitely agree that disruptions and interceptions shouldn't be guaranteed. I've always said the issue isn't that these plays happen, but rather the rate at which they occur. It feels like these situations happen so often that it doesn't feel rewarding to play solid defense.
- EA_Aljo
That's understandable. I've certainly had my own frustrating moments like this. I'd love to see defense improved without making it overpowered
Thats where the serie took a wrong turn. You straight up victimizing that dman. In real life, players have 100% control of their body, they only have themself to blame if the puck goes through. If the player is in good position, and spent a reasonable amount of attribute points, he should 100% get the puck, the onus should be on the passer to not force it. Otherwise it's neither realistic nor fair outcome for the defender in a competitive videogame.
- EA_Aljo
How is it realistic for a player to 100% intercept the puck? There are instances where they don't make interceptions in the real world despite good positioning. I also see more intercepts than not in the game. Good positioning is very often rewarded. Many of the videos we get also show reaction time being the issue. When passes come from too close to the defender. I'm not saying that's the case here, but it's also something to keep in mind when feeling like a pass should have been intercepted.
