NHL 2K8: Adjusting on the Fly

While presetting your offensive schemes in NHL 2K8 is important, even more critical is mastering the on-the-fly adjustments. Today Sportsgamer explores what each adjustment does and how to implement them into your game.

Crash Net Possibly the single most important adjustment, crashing the net directs your forwards to either side of the opposing goalie in preparation for a deflected shot and/or rebound opportunity. Because the wrist shot is such a powerful scoring tool in this year’s version, the crash net adjustment will typically yield the skilled player 3-5 additional quality shots on goal per game. Use this adjustment only if the puck is being handled by one of your forwards – if a defenseman is handling the puck, crashing the net will commit 3 players to the net leaving your defense thin in case of a turnover.
Screen Goalie The Screen Goalie adjustment will direct the closest off-puck teammate in front of the opposing goalie. As the name indicates, this is a great tool for hindering a goalie’s vision when attempting a slapshot but it also positions a teammate for a deflection or tap-in as well. While screening the goalie technically only commits one forward to the net, if a defenseman is handling the puck, your center will probably also be in the vicinity. In this case, calling for a goalie screen functions similarly to crashing the net.
Help Calling for help is the same thing as calling for a screen in basketball except that your teammate can skate at full speed and knock your defender on his ass. When this adjustment is used, your nearest teammate will attempt to clear any nearby defenders in hopes of creating an open shot. While not necessarily risky, keep in mind that calling for help will eliminate a potential passing option.
Defensive Pinch The defensive pinch adjustment calls both of your defensemen up closer to the net. This can be useful in preventing your opponent from clearing the puck from his zone as you will have more players in position to forecheck and harass the area near the net. This is a risky move however as there will be no one to defend against a breakaway. Use the defensive pinch only if you are on a power play or are supremely confident that doing so will keep the puck in your opponent’s zone.