NHL® 21

Slips, banks and chips

NHL 21 revolutionizes neutral zone play with the addition of slips, banks and chips. Get small and slippery along the boards as you squeak by a defender’s check. Bank the puck off the boards and around your opponent or use the back of the net to do the same. Or just chip the puck past a flatfooted defenseman and burn him on your way to the goal.

Improved AI hockey IQ

AI has been optimized to make sure that your teammates can break out on their own and hit you with a pass in stride so you can keep driving to the net. In addition, they’ll be better positioned and more open to the net for passes in the O-zone. On the other side of the puck, defensive AI will work harder to slow down the opposing team in the middle of the ice and block passing lanes when defending.

Gamesaving goalie desperation

Great goaltending is born out of calculated athleticism - being in the best position to make the stop, while having the athletic ability to quickly shut the door on an unexpected opportunity. New desperation saves and animations mean that you’re never out of it — there’s always a chance to make a jaw-dropping, acrobatic stop — even against your momentum.

Improved goalie control and positioning

Goaltending controls have been reworked to use the right stick for more of your movements, making user controlled goalies more fluid and tactile.

AI goalies are smarter when it comes to positioning — they’ll adjust and square up to the shooter’s approach angle to give themselves the best chance of making the stop.