Firstly, the energy fix is great. Form score is still crazy, no doubt. But did anybody try putting their traits into the "influential" discussion tree instead of hockey skills? There are some perks which say "avoid being put on the last line", "avoid being sent down", and "easier challenges to move up lines". I am gonna try and see if that makes any difference or if it's still 75 form score on superstar as without it there's no shot to move up.
I saw a comment here that the game is designed to start in AHL, not quite, my first attempt (on superstar, sniper), I was starting in NHL after preseason. That was early without the recent fix to energy. Currently playing as a power forward center and did get dropped to AHL for the start of the season for 8 games, now in NHL but stuck on 4th line. It's like the game knows you have a challenge, incredible goaltending in those critical games from opponent goalies, prime Hasek every single one of them, 96% save percentages in the last 4 challenge games, my AI teammates blatantly giving the puck away in our zone - just passing straight to them, my goalie hovering around 85% save percentage, I am being hit with the "bad line defence" ... no shot :D
That conversation that requires 3 points will keep you in the NHL at the start of the season, but it won't last more than halfway through the season and you'll become a 4th line slave again or go to the AHL.
The problem isn't that you have to start in the AHL, the problem is that the AI keeps you there or forces you to the 4th line on NHL, either through gameplay (exactly like the incident you described) or by giving you false form points.
Community Manager
