More Issues With NHL - 26 Edition

What are we up to now, 7 videos and we haven't gotten to the Christmas sale yet. I gotta sort out and clean my media gallery so I guess I'll stop for a while after this next one.

EA_Aljo​ buddy, I'm not sure if anyone was specifically told not to engage or what but, if you don't mind, I would appreciate a small snippet of feedback for each clip here; I really hope there is a setting or something I'm missing to stop this from happening. Please keep in mind, these videos are being made after every play session, not cherrypicked from an ocean of footage spanning ages.

#1 - I guess the main clip got deleted in my gallery and it also affects SHAREFactory for some reason so I'll just quickly describe it.
I whipped a shot at their goalie (top perspective from the right side) and it went under his pads and banked off the boards near our drop-in defenseman to our goalie at less than 10mph, he proceeded to go deep into his net and make a desperation kick to the side. He then dove on the puck as I rushed back - I called for the puck but he refused to give it to me and nobody on the opposing team was a threat. Way too close for comfort for no reason.

#2 - Most times when I get smashed my player feels like he's injured for the rest of the play and the little pop up symbol doesn't show or something is just coded buggy so we have no choice but to get a quick whistle to fix it (this has been a thing for a few years now). I attempted to just dump the puck for an icing but it hit the goalie... and then the ref called icing anyway.

#3 - So I went zooming up to hit my own guy in hilarious fashion and/or smash their guy just because I could and he somehow takes out the both of us? This thread has a few similar clips and I know I posted this for a few years now with the team saying this was being looking into - Nothing is 100%, I know, but I just want to point out its still a thing.

Anyway, they go down and yes, our drop-in slid too far into our net but that didn't really affect the main issue here: the goalie. Yet another instance of them just not being able to handle slow/non-moving pucks at the line. This is so deflating because what can we honestly do at that point? Any attempt to poke or corral will just put it in anyway.

#4 - Another lazy post goal on the goalie.

#5 - Yet another example of goalies doing what they do best. This is an every game experience.

#6 - Drop-in was L2 speed boosting again - This was supposed to be fixed ages ago. Also, look at the goalie, AGAIN, crumble under the pressure of just existing. It doesn't matter if the score didn't matter and we were purposely trolling them - when it rains it POURS for teams with extreme bad luck like this and it really solidifies why people truly believe there is some sort of tilt going on.

#7 - Just thought it was funny, seems like every second year we are able to hit our own teammates. Truculence may have something to do with it but I can't say for certain.

#8 - Like, c'mon goalie. Slower shots should be pounced on, not nonchalantly kicked out to the opposing team. A powered slide, stacking the pads, a backflip, almost anything would have been a better option when the other team has the lane. I don't blame the drop in on this at all.

(Looks like I messed up with the numbers so this is #8 (2)) - Just look at this goofy gobbler... The gate, the overconfident strut as he makes his way to the net.. Not only does the goalie bite on nothing and lower his stance, he then just stands up without a care as the puck goes in. Listen, I just have to get used to the fact people are actually spending money on stuff like this and while I do find it funny, I just want you and the team to know that I was adamantly opposed these buy a builds in screen testing as it strays further from the kind of presentation I think the dedicated community and even the real NHL wants.

#9 - Slow clap for the AI being able to actually snag the puck I passed back this time but definitely not surprised by the horrible giveaway pass that give them the game winner in OT. I think I've provided enough evidence over the years that AI need a major adjustment to how they calculate passes. Just wait till you see the clip #12 that caused OT in the first place too...

#10 - I understand why it does this and yes, it's an eye roller of a small nitpick on my part, but it's still a weird immersion breaking thing that happens on the regular. Also, look at the seeming hard plastic towels the fans are holding in the background... I didn't care enough to take a screenshot of them specifically but hey, I figured I might as well mention it.

#11 - I have a two-way build with high defensive abilities and it's beyond frustrating the puck constantly just goes through me. Kid would be arguing I wasn't standing on the exact perfect pixel needed to initiate the block but man is it exhausting to play defense in this game. We are in desperate need of an overhaul to make defense not only better in general, but, well, funner. Skill issue and I suck, yes, but I don't believe for one second defense needs to play 100% perfect when the offense gets everything handed to em. Honestly, truly, what more can I do here in a twitchy back and forth, every game scenario type of way?

#12 - What kind of serendipitous BS is this? We call these suicide body check pickups "drop passes" and has been a staple set play of ours for years and out of nowhere the stick flies into me leading to a tying goal in the final minute? You can't tell me the hockey gods didn't wholeheartedly and with extremely malicious intent, do this at random? Yes, yes, tilt isn't real but wow man - what else am I to believe haha? Also, big thanks to the AI for zooming up and not defending and to our goalie for not goaltending.

#13 - We always joke "good thing noone is here to stop me" but honestly, we might as well have a 2v2 mode with how pointless these AI defenders can be. Skillzoning in HUT is a completely different beast compared to EASHL in my mind.

Would love if I can get some feedback on even a few of the clips.

1. So I guess I should just let them win the faceoff then? Guy almost caught right up to him for a goal. Been saying few years now that the AI is especially delayed right after puck drop.

2. Everyone give a round of applause for the goalie - He was committed to doing his best and while his best is actually awful and needed tweaks a decade ago, it's the thought that really counts in a competitive game, right?

3&4. Editing blunder. Why does my friend's arm snap like that? Basically tripped himself; I don't think that's supposed to happen.

5. Why did the goalie jam up like that? It was a weak puck and now the flow of what we had planned was thrown into disarray.

6. Doesn't matter that I still picked up the puck - It's another example of dumb plays by the AI where they just hold it for no reason. It's like they WANT to be hit.

7. There he goes again just holding it - no dumps, no passes, no deke attempt, nada. Looks like it was gonna be purposely offside too.

8. He he is just skating AWAY from the puck for some reason. Please for the love of whatever you love, fix their decision making.

9. .... *sigh*

10. Few things to unpack here. First off, my Warrior activated so he clearly hit me which means this should have been interference. Second, just watch how he can zoom up the ice with 0 stamina. Thirdly, these backhands: you need to fix these. I don't know if it's Backhand Beauty specifically but you don't even have to deke or do anything anymore with these goalies, they just start swimming for no reason and don't react nearly fast enough.

11. So we can hit our own guys again?

12. Truculence activated and somehow I didn't get a penalty? He went up for our 6th goal in 9 shots by the way...

13. Goalie caught swimming instead of making a decent save, again. This leads to #14 ....

14. This replay didn't show anything of importance and has been doing it for a while now. So many quick cuts and blurry angles, there is quite a bit of room for improvement in this department.

15. Ah so this is how goalies being weak on posts and squeakers was fixed. nice.

16. Lol come on guys, at least try to make it look like you're working on fixing this.

17. Another 2 for 1 special. I've shown similar videos for a couple of years now and Aljo has definitely stated it was being sent to the team AND that it was fixed and shouldn't be happening anymore. Look at yet another trash backhand swimmer goal to add insult to injury too.

18. Just look at this "save". LOOK AT IT  * holds your face to screen. 


These clips are never cherry picked from an ocean of videos by the way - My buddy and I play like 6 games a week if we're lucky: these are every day, every game experiences. The game is broken and needs to be fixed.

#1 - Youtube analytics make it seem like these clips aren't exactly being passed around the office (at least, not as much as I would hope). I added this exact kind of clip to my very first "Issues with NHL" video way back when and I'm pretty sure it's been included in just about every one since.

#2 - I don't understand why my random grudge match Backhand Beauty ability activated there when I passed and didn't take a shot. Also, when I and several other members suggested a grudge match feature, it was meant to be for teams we played before and had an actual grudge with, not random teams.
Also, if anyone knows me and my playstyle, or the game would take any instances of gameplay into consideration, I must have a crooked thumb or something because I can only manage a backhand by complete fluke - This is pretty much a useless ability for me to have.

#3 - No energy but still manages to perfectly get a cheese rebound. Also, the goalie seemed to have it then just throws it to the side - they normally can't do much on a good day but goalies are especially weak on mid to lower height shots. I can't stand how much belly flopping they do this year since it takes ages for them to get back up and react to a follow up.

#4 - Not only does he refuse to pass when his human overlord tells him to, he takes the most pathetic shot ever. They consistently lack care on plays like this it hurts my heart.

#5 - Finally makes a good defensive play then just smashes into the boards for no reason - proceeds to make a horrendous pass. There is no logical reason he would throw it up like that. Regardless of my buddy pulling back or not, that would have gone to the opponent or been a suicide pass anyway along the left.

#6 - Keep bringing it up but there is 0 awareness off faceoffs with the AI and of course he isn't going to do a dang thing about stopping the other player from rushing in on the goalie. Even at 99 speed we wouldn't be able to keep up on a play like this. Soooooreeee for thinking winning a faceoff should net us the puck.

#7 - This is why we need to separate hitting and shooting. I know I've brought this up in years past. What's weird is that with so much interference this year, it's this that gets called... Even using a two way build here, my offensive awareness was plenty high enough to snag the puck, especially when I knew he was going to, and did, call for the pass.

Series of random pics. First one is a guy absolutely crumpling from getting a glancing blow - This guy should be playing EA FC haha. He just immediately bounced right back up after his life ending contortion act too which left us scratching our heads.

Don't care that it's just a visual bug - I absolutely HATE seeing MY logo on THEIR jersey. So disheartening to see the team unable/unwilling to fix this.

There goes my jersey again turning black and getting a Ducks logo plastered in the middle. Also, the WORLD OF CHEL text in the background is so awkwardly placed - Like, seriously, why is it aligned like that? OF WORLD CHEL is eye catching in a bad way. One of those "I can't unsee it" type of things.

I am not a HUT player so why am I getting bombarded with these pop ups all the time? Please give us the option to never show pop ups we don't want to see. Also, I've known people with Beats by Dre as well; they are terrible quality and I don't think you really want to be associated with that brand

Cheloween promotion in November eh? Okiedokie artichokey 🙃

Just a white box in place of a generic scoreboard looks tacky; Sorry I can't be mpre constructive than that. Also, this dang music pop up when I muted all of it AND it covers up important space on the bottom. When I get the visial bug in-game where the box just hangs there all game, it covers my strategies bar so I dunno what's what.

So I get it, we all know what each category is supposed to be but I think you still need to give them proper titles, it just looks unprofessional otherwise. Also, I don't understand the reason why you chose which pictures you did - I see generic, heritage, retro, and maybe a bundle in there all at once?

Here my entire jersey reverted back to default on another occasion. Yes it's just a visual bug (this time), but the devs have been (claiming they've been), trying to fix it for years

Thanks for the clips. I'll pass them on.

And another one - Mostly about goalies this time 'round

#1 - Goalie can't handle the squeaker again, surprise surprise. Desperation doesn't have to just mean insanely wild movement that covers every square inch of the net - Sometimes just solely focusing on the puck and nothing else is better,

#2 - It's more about how he managed to save it rather than it actually working. No professional goalie, ever, should be trying to stack the pads vertically like that on a breakaway. At least dive out and take him out...

#3 - I get one of us was close but why did he just slowly fall back like that and not even make any effort to save the following shot? I probably should have slowed the clip down but once this fully loads you can probably do it on youtube. Goals like these are total buzzkills. Just stay upright...

#4 - Another one of those eye rollers - Just opens up so wide of course they are going to score. I understand I could have defended better but I'm not purposely trying to get scored on like our goalie.

#5 - Yeah OK there, Luongo buddyguy. This is hockey, not swim class.

#6 - Bit soooooo hard. Yeah I get it, this is a regular hockey deke and goal but this is so extremely consistent to pull off; they definitely need some tweaks to aggression and positioning.

#7 - Clip speaks for itself

#8 - AI actually makes a nice defensive play for once and then proceeds to make this pass. I keep telling you, the AI needs heavy awareness and pass logic buffs.

You can be multiple strides ahead in the neutral zone and they wait till you're over the blue before passing, they never acknowledge a pincer play/cross pass, and for some reason heavily rely on going to the left (perspective) side of the ice where they turn their back and don't see an oncoming player which leads to (at best) a board pin.

#9 - I absolutely hate the pressure system and how it kills your drains your stamina way too fast for no reason at all but what I think I hate even more is the fact this lame rebound goal can not only completely negate it, but is still so easy to do a decade later. Yes, yes, it's a regular hockey play, but it's the fact it is so easy and consistent to do that frustrates me to no end.

#10 - Wanted to show the full clip because I got him good and just wanna rub salt in it but look at my goal - I am at a severe disadvantage with relative speed, angle, and telegraphing my shot but a good 90% of the time it's like the goalie isn't even there. You can tell from the heat map in the replay this is my bread and butter and for good reason. Yeah, I want wins as much as the next guy but it's pure cheese and definitely not an authentic hockey experience. Good for me scoring and all but I still yearn for a proper back and forth down the line.

EA_Aljo​ I'm usually met with complete silence in these threads, can I please get some feedback here? I know there's a time/money/resource crunch every year but some of these issues honestly don't seem that hard to fix.

You have given great examples and details here. Don't be surprised the mods ask you to check to see if you are on  wired connection or wifi because that makes the difference. Oh power cycle the router lol lol. The game is broken , they cant fix it because it takes time and resources they don't have or want to allocate.

I would like ea to stop lag compensation that helps weaker teams .That is one of the real problems. It is bad enough playing your opponent, you should not be playing against the game as well

That empty net goal shot its just a disaster ☹️. I feel you on thous bad things this game gives us on #2 i agree some games you play stable good games/plays opponent just shots the shot from random places (usually not high risk) and goal 🤨. And you do everything and puck just wont go in. There is some balance woo-do going on. i agree Ai on defense is terrible. You ask for a puck/pass and he doesn't give the puck right away. But gives it few seconds later. When its already to late. And creates dangerous situations(in your defensive zone) 
  

#1 - Why give this voice line after 'Toronto' already made up their mind? The audio and text lines started to desync more when you introduced the first Live the Life BaP update, '21, '22?. By the way I totally took the goalie out a la HITZ style to get the goal when we needed it the most.

#2 - Just look at the shots; it was one of THOSE games. We all know the kind: you do everything right and the hockey gods are just out to get ya. We fought tooth and nail for this win when we honestly shouldn't have needed to but of course the game needed to stick it to me one last time. It's funny (Ha Ha funny, like a clown), this time but imagine if my team was down a goal.

#3 - Look at me just wreck these fools in the background haha - the power of Truculence, baby! It honestly needs a huge nerf, especially in 3v3 hockey. My buddy here doesn't have Warrior by the way - We need a better way of showing when a player benefits from a teammates ability

#4 - I've been saying it ever since this logo was created - Call it a tradition at this point but I personally don't like what I'm seeing in that red circle. The line weight, the angle of the lines, the curve of the edges, the way those bars actually touch the EA SPORTS circle... 

#5 - How the heck is that not a penalty!? It led to a very stinky goal so you can see why I'd be upset

#6 - I got my revenge but c'mon now, I deserved a penalty.

#7 -
* Our first ever drop-in teammate
* Immediately scores
*Refuses to e[co]laborate further
*leaves*
Leads to....

#8 - 2v3 and we managed to claw our way to OT and look what this awful ai did to screw us over and lead to them eventually scoring. This is not some one-off time situation; they do stuff like this all the time it's so frustrating.
We could have had private matches/practices or used a discord to find new teammates but no, some users here wanted the team to dedicate resources to adding a matchmaking system that benefits trolling further. We wouldn't have played this team without a third man. Gave you and it a chance and look how it bit us; I can't in good faith/conscience now recommend people turn the drop-in setting on for faster games now.

#9 - Why do you still allow teams to use white as their home jerseys? It's not some impossible task to differentiate teammates out there but every nano second counts out there. This should be one of those low hanging fruit type of QoL fixes to make

#10 - I've been saying this since, I dunno, NHL 20 and of course it doesn't get fixed. The AI heavily favours going to the boards on the left and almost always gets sucked in to a pin. He can't even kick it out properly. I consistently show the same moves over and over but it's not like I can prove it's a set play but I do know they do it regardless of pressure and play settings.

I agree Ai is doing some weird stuff out there. Ai defense is just skating not defending. Ai Goalies are out off position/place. I had issue few times with goalie interference. Where my teams players was outside of goalies net zone. Just standing in front of goalie and goal didn't count. And few times opponents player was  in the goalies zone and was bothering goalie and it was a good goal. So there is a little issue. 

Ok so, player is allowed to cut me off and just destroy any semblance of speed I had, breaking my arm in the process; this isn't really the point of the clip tho - you're supposed to be looking at the goalie. Watch how extremely late he is to acknowledging the pass and then look at the insane instant animation he whips out.

"Just play with a human goalie!", you cry out. No. Not only does playing as a goalie absolutely suck the wind out of mine and my friend's sails due do how awkward the controls are, that, again, would only be a band-aid for the much larger issue of brain dead AI as well at the unchecked meta exploiting your system.

Second clip, next immediate play - You tell me what the flippity flip we're expected to do here? You just know if either of us were to poke it would go straight in lol - It's literally in the hockey God's hands at that point the goalie will cover or the ref just blows the play dead and it's been this way for, again, about a decade. You said you fixed this from happening multiple times now. Big shocker it's still a thing, I know, but c'mon now. We were having a pretty fun back and forth game until this point but the whole thing just soured and leaves a bad taste in your mouth. 

You know how hard it is to convince your autistic friend to stop playing one of his staple games? I finally did i-- no, WE did it EA Sports - Dipsy and Atem can play some Split Fiction and BF6 together!
I'm sorry if this sounds so salty but it gets to a point where it's hard to not take the game's negatives as personal when you have to keep fighting the same issues over and over to receive even a boilerplate response like 5% of the time.