Franchise mode game play is so bad.

The AI programming is not good, 

They hit from behind, no penalties,  have super natural reaction times, score 3 goals off of 5 shots, 

I dont normally play AI but this year with HUT I started too, (20 years since playing AI), the AI have super natural powers. And they just curl back in the neutral zone every sinlge time, they curl even into the boards. 

The AI doesnt dump the puck, they dont cycle, they hit 20 plus times in a period. According to NHL statistics, NHL teams hit roughly 15-25 times a game. 

Not 20 times in a period. I know in the patch the AI was to reduce the curl back, now they pass backwards and try to skate the puck in. 

THe AI needs some help, I wish I could help EA with the logic, I will have to start posting videos. 

I do agree that the draft should start a year later and should be corrected. 

I have put a full season and going into the playoffs in my franchise mode, superstar difficulty and a few adjusted sliders to the team and AI leaning to balance it to my game style. Most my games even if my or the AI goalie let's in an early goal trends to even itself out (not always as goalies have bad nights in game and irl). Plus the scores are usually pretty close to how the game should play out based on stats and players. 

The board battles have always been an issue to some level. I think it's more 70 - 30 for the AI but I can win some of them now. 

I can make the stretch pass work for a break but it's much harder in this game as the AI will usually disrupt or intercept the pass. The times I notice the slow or stop by the player is when they are trying to stay onside or of the pass is off. 

On average my passing percentage is worse then the AI but fairly close (80% or higher). I have learned with this game you can't run and gun and have to make short passes and not force plays. 

Just my thoughts. Added game stats from a few past games (last few days). 

even though it isn't realistic I just turn injuries OFF, because the hitting isn't realistic either and I get tired of roster moves. I would prefer as much realism as possible, and there used to be a way to get that, but the last couple years it seems impossible.

I have to use sliders and have my acceleration and speed a little higher then the CPU it is the only way to compensate for the horrific pressure they get every game, like a magnet the puck must go in and they MUST score this happens a few times every game like they are insane robots with hockey gear.

I agree with you whoopex

Is it just me or does the computer score on the first shift or if you hold them from shooting on the first shift, the first shot?

It seems like they believe you have to spot the AI a goal to make it "superstar" level.

What about those of us that actually like the REAL game of hockey and want to be able to hold the opponent to less than 4 goals per game?

I also think what affects how the cpu goes manic is cpu strategy slider and aggression slider.  I have strategy slider for cpu set at 2 and see some game changes for cpu but not manic. Aggression at 75 and get a reasonable balance with the way the cpu shoots or passes. 

hey woopex, I am an old man too, 63. I am playing at superstar level, but the exact same issues exist.

It is like the AI team is playing at NHL All star level and your team is a cellar dwelling AHL team.

Do you play on player lock? I do, and I get the feeling the game is programmed EXPECTING you to jump from player to player.  That is why I think skaters do weird things on defense and on breakaways.

When my AI controlled teammates have FINALLY gotten behind the defenders in this game so what should they do, Rush the goalie? Hell no let's throw in an unnecessary deke so the defenders can catch up. ICEQ Seriously?

and the goalies cannot stop shots from the slot. about 40-50% are going in if they get there. why bother with goaltenders at all?

this won't fix a lot of the problems, but if you lower the AI hitting power to 20 it helps bring down the checking.

It is still ridiculously high, but at least some of the hits don't knock you down.

were you playing the nordiques? What language is that? Finnish?

I'm old enough to remember the "battles for Quebec." One of the NHL's best rivalries at the time.