Poke-check wonkiness
I actually think poke-checks are in a better place in NHL 25 than they have been in recent years, but there's still some kinks to work out. My main concern is that quite often the poke check doesn'...
Forum Discussion
These are great examples. I feel pokes are working a bit more better in 25 in comparison to last year, HOWEVER, it's the auto-pickups that continue to be absolute crap for defenders. Even when you have forwards sprinting down the wing and you get a good poke, the momentum doesn't carry the puck out of the range of the auto-pickup. Because you are still in a poke animation, the forward gets the chance to auto-pick it up before you even have a chance to react.
Another big issue is when EA makes new mechanics they never seem to TEST how these mechanics work in all situations. The new mechanics where players will slide by other players instead of running into them also hinders the D's ability to use the body to block a player's path and/or movement. So if you poke, the puck dies, the auto-pickup happens, in the past you still might be able block their path just by being there, but now it feels like you're covered in oil and they just slide right by. I almost wouldn't have an issue with this particular thing, but because the poke slows you down so much, defenders are left with a disadvantage that's not their fault. It's the same issue with gimping zone clears under pressure, or the pressure gauge not going down even when you clear the zone, or giving attackers with pressure extra energy.
EA's MO. Keep adding whatever without making sure there's game balance.
