The 2008 edition of EA’s ice hockey simulation contains numerous enhancements to the Skill Stick feature, which debuted in NHL 07. Another innovative feature is the Goalie mode, in which players may manually control the goalie via a third-person camera. Custom players may be created and worked on, and a rumbling feature adds a new form of communication in which the player can ask for the puck by tapping the ice with the stick.
This edition includes international clubs, 29 AHL teams, new NHL jerseys for the regular season, and NHL teams.
The PS3 and Xbox 360 versions lack a fantasy draft to build a dream squad to compete for the Stanley Cup in Dynasty mode but include Sweden’s Elitserien and Finland’s SM-Liga. Gary Thorne and Bill Clement provide commentary in this rendition.
