Defensive Tips

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@JG_Philosophy wrote:

I havent played NHL 22 much this year, I've recently started up again. Compared to NHL 21 Im finding that player movement is much different and poke checks seem to have much less effect. Im just looking for some tips on how to play better defense in the game. I typically play RD in Chel a Defensive Dman build, im really looking for tips to effectively use the poke check and block shots in this years version of the game.

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Ya poke checks IME are not as effective as they once were. It is what it is. That said, positioning seems to be everything in this game so don't ignore attributes like agility and abilities like elite edges for defensemen. Being able to better control where you are with more precision has a LOT more of an impact for a shot block than the actual shot blocking attribute (which according to the description only affects your animation and recovery time apparently). 

As far as poke checking, I find that you have to be patient and wait for the puck/stick to come in your area of effect and time your poke. And never poke check from behind obviously. I find its often more effective to simply hold your DDS out to block the pass or deflect the shot out of play.

Shutdown is a great ability every defensive D build should probably run since it bumps your hitting, shot blocking AND poke checking. And don't let the description fool you: what this game sees as a "one on one" situation is def NOT just breakaways.