I have adapted to the energy system since the update it received a while ago. That, combined with adjustments I’ve made with sliders as well as my gameplay itself have made a great deal of difference.
i boosted the “fatigue recovery” slider up to 80 or 85 (i can’t remember which), and I use the speed boost in game somewhat sparingly. As irl, you can’t skate full speed all the time.
Usually, I can get back to “peak” with only one energy point, although every couple of games I do need that extra point.
A big point I like to stress is that I don’t think that limiting accessibility to trait and X-factor points in a given week is unreasonable. There’s a bit more off-time during the holidays and even more during the all-star break (which we should be able to participate in). You get a great opportunity during the offseason, of course, and the conversations can be extremely rewarding when it comes to points. What I’m trying to say is that busy game weeks are more for maintaining your health and less about gaining huge improvements with your player.