NHL 26 and EASHL

Key Issues You Highlighted

1. AI Defensemen
   • They often fail to react properly, leaving easy lanes for human players.
   • This has been a recurring complaint since older versions like NHL 12.
2. Goalie Mechanics
   • The same breakaway goals have been effective for over a decade.
   • Lack of adaptive goalie AI makes gameplay predictable.
3. Overpowered Mechanics
   • L2 skating and certain boosts make poke checks and defensive play almost useless.
   • Balancing seems skewed toward offense and flashy moves.
4. Focus on HUT (Hockey Ultimate Team)
   • EA prioritizes monetization over core gameplay improvements.
   • Many players feel the game has become “Madden-like” in its business model.
5. Matchmaking Issues in EASHL
   • Removal of even matchmaking makes small clubs suffer against full squads.
   • Combined with poor AI teammates, this kills the fun for smaller groups.
6. Lack of Innovation
   • Feels like a roster update every year for $70.
   • NHL 12–14 era is remembered as the “golden age” for many fans.