Why is it so hard to get assists in Be a Pro?

It's hit or miss for me. I definitely have to be the one who slows down or speeds up to create a passing lane (with or without the puck). My linemates aren't clever. Totally agree on body position. Watching a 95 overall goal scorer just stand behind a defenseman who clearly has him covered is brutal. 

I'd also be happy if the defencemen didn't decide to play forward when I try to help them win a board battle in our zone. If I dip below the faceoff dot to either cover an attacker or be available for an outlet pass, one of my defenceman peels off up ice. Like, no dude, you still need to play D.

I get that they're programmed to cover the open man, but come on. I basically gave up trying to help out my D because I was sick of seeing stay at home defencemen trying to lead the rush after I bailed them out.