Wild slap shots - anyone else experiencing this?

Hmmm.  OK.  I've been very careful returning the right stick to top dead center and it seems to have disappeared.  I tried the game with two different brand new controllers in fact (I opened one that I really didn't want to as I was saving it but oh well).

For fun I asked Google's AI if anyone was experiencing wild slap shots in NHL 26 and here's the response (interesting - or maybe it's referencing this post/thread):

Yes, players are reporting inconsistent/wild slapshots (like slices/hooks) after recent patches in EA NHL games (likely NHL 26), especially when skating or stationary, turning shots into unpredictable "bumper pool," indicating a physics/animation bug after updates, common in EA Sports titles. 

Common Player Feedback & Experience:

• Weird Shot Angles: Players describe shots going way off target, wide left or right, even when aiming straight at the net.
• Physics Glitch: It feels like a broken physics interaction, where the puck's trajectory is unnatural and unpredictable.
• Post-Patch Issue: Many users link this specific problem directly to the latest game updates, suggesting a regression in shot mechanics.
• Bumper Pool Effect: Sometimes other players or objects might deflect it, but it's usually chaotic rather than helpful. 

What It Might Be:

• Animation Glitch: The player's shot animation might be decoupling from the intended shot vector.
• Physics Engine Bug: The puck physics might not be correctly calculating spin or impact after the patch.
• Player Attributes/Momentum: While less likely the sole cause, player momentum or stick handling might interact poorly with the new mechanics. 

Where to Find More Info:

• Check the official EA Forums or Reddit for widespread discussions and potential workarounds or confirmation from EA.