Shoot I have been having this same issue for weeks. I just thought it was me not holding the right stick properly. I have been having so many issues winning face offs. The other player won't even try to win the face off and I will still lose it. Last night in particular I would try and tie up and I would win it back. We call it the controller is upside down face offs. I have been playing center since the beginning of time for NHL and this year I am at a 49% win rate when I have been in the 60% rate for years.
This sounds like a different issue than the OP is having. Can you start a new thread and gather video showing what's happening?