I find that the goalies are better or at least the same as last year (I only play offline franchise). They still let in weak goals but also make some great saves too. I don't see a huge difference for the x-factor abilities (they have always been a bit overpowered - ever since they have been added in the game - but I don't think its a guaranteed goal. That goes with the timed one timer either whereas I find that more of a 60-40 chance for a goal. I actually find this year that goalies are actually more reactive and harder to score on when you have a breakaway.
Most of my games are close in shots on net between myself and the AI (25 shots for me to 23 shots for the AI - score was 3-1). This is around the average for scores in my franchise (it can vary but that is normal) I have actually had a few games go into OT with no score (currently I have played 80 games in my franchise), average GAA is 2.30 between both of my goalies (an 86 no abilities and 84, also no abilities). I play a very defensive game as well so my team is currently ranked 2nd in my NHL franchise for GAPG.
I want to mention that I do play on Superstar difficulty with some catered sliders, which does help the overall feel of games. I have always wondered if the online difficulty is lower then what I play on, which could affect the way the goalies play.
This is just my perspective on the game and again I want to state I'm offline only.
