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@EA_Aljo wrote:Shots from the slot are always going to be dangerous. The best thing to do is not let those plays develop. Good human defenders are going to be watching for this and break up those plays before they happen.
I appreciate that.... but it *appears* that if someone's zone/superstar ability activates, there is literally nothing you can do - I have never been able to tie up the stick of/intercept a pass to someone who has close quarters on for example.
Community ManagerI use the tie-up very frequently. The player you're attempting to tie up needs to be almost standing still. I always use the stick tie-up since it's easier than using the body. Intercepting passes hasn't been much of an issue as long as I'm in good position and not making contact with another player. As always, if you have any video of passes you think should be intercepted or any other issues defending in front of the net, we'll review it.
I believe my speed/accel is around 87. I tend to play relatively conservative defense so I'm usually far enough back and don't get beat by those speedy forwards. Not that it never happens though. There are certainly times I get beat, but that's usually from pinching or a bad turnover. Regardless, I'm not saying the system is perfect. I've had to adapt because as you mention, CQ is a dangerous ability as well as the high speed on forwards. This is the first year of this new system so we'll have to see what adjustments are made in the future. The feedback is definitely appreciated.
High speed/acceleration is also very hand with forechecking. Often these kind of players are VERY aggressive, counting on three guys swarming on all your passing lines before slow old you can make the pass.
I feel this is way OP considering what tools you have to defend the traditional (real hockey?) way, handling the puck and making passes. No wonder everybody is going for these builds. Best defence is attack?
Community ManagerIt's definitely tough going up against high pressure like that. If your teammates are aware of opponents playing that way, they should look for more opportunities to be a good option for a pass. I know I like to try to keep an open lane to myself when I see one of my teammates breaking out so they have another option to move the puck instead of potentially turn it over. There's always the dump and chase as well. So much of this is dependent on chemistry with your teammates.
Unless you've gone to a minimum 90 speed with elite edges, I wouldn't recommend the dump and chase, at least not in the traditional sense where you want the puck behind the net.
In 3's mode, if the other team has an AI defender it's actually better to chip it to the corner, infront of the red line - the AI for whatever reason always tends to curl back towards the goalie/net in a panic and is prime for a takeaway
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