7 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT NHL 21

NHL 21 has arrived, and after a week of time with the game, DZ & Corwin have come up with their thoughts on the latest entry in EA Sports series. Here are 7 things they think you should know about this year's game!

[@TSN_Sports]

Would a "Free-to-Play" NHL game be good or bad for the series? 🤔

[@fluffylorax6400]

That’s what it’s worth rn . 2k10 had more features like roster sharing and gm connected. It’s strait robbery charging $80+ cad

[@isaacemmerich1565]

good

[@kingknightboss]

@@fluffylorax6400 agreed

[@patrickmalone2259]

I had a idea while watching this video maybe franchise can make a league like u enter the league with 30 other players and you randomly get assigned a team but it is spread out over 10 years you have to build the best franchise and win the most cups you can make trades through a game chat aspect and each season is about a 5 days long lasting about 2 months I think it would really bring life back to franchise mode and give people a reason to stay active in it and maybe at the end of the year like June July the top 31 people per console go in to a finale and they win a prize

[@patrickmalone2259]

Good maybe it’s just play now and a couple other game modes like shootout and hut but maybe like a 20$ version

[@LeanMrfuzzles]

Now that they've finally done something with Be a Pro I fully expect them to not touch it again for another 5-6 years.

[@StencilMunky]

They have set that precedent with NHL 14. I can't wait to see what EA does with BAP in NHL 27.

[@rip_city_and_ptfc_fan]

Hopefully not lol

[@theskinnybones2552]

@@StencilMunkywe kinda close to nhl 27 and they haven’t touched BAP since 21

[@07Hubbs]

I just wish every year didn't feel like I score the same goal 60% of the time.

[@thebaconmanthony]

Yeah one timers dominate still

[@Joe-ic3oe]

I mean dude they removed forehand backhand cheese they fixed the tuck, goalies are much better this year.

[@metroTP]

@@Joe-ic3oe forehand backhand cheese is 100% still there lmao, and the one hand is definitely nerfed but you can still score with it pretty frequently if you learn it

[@griffinjoy359]

That’s almost how hockey works 🤯🤯🤯

[@thebaconmanthony]

@@griffinjoy359 The most common type of goal in the NHL are wrist shots. The most common type of goal in NHL 21 are one timers. One timers happen way more often in the video games.

[@freedy1696]

EA needs competition for all their games...

[@Habebandebardown]

2k

[@ve5498]

@@Habebandebardown for nhl 2k isn’t a competition anymore. The only thing 2k really takes seriously now is nba which it completely overtakes ea in. Other than that, ea unfortunately is the only relevant company making sports games.

[@Habebandebardown]

@@ve5498 ik but i still remember the days of nhl 2k10 on the wii they were good

[@Tr00py]

absolutely. only sports genre they have competition on is NBA and what do you know, EA's NBA Live is trash compared to 2K

[@austing.8870]

NHL 2K at least felt like fucking hockey. The AI was competitive.

[@stuartmiller8022]

This is the a great example why monopoly's suck.

[@nickwolf5975]

Be a pro definitely needs to take a mlb the show approach by letting you negotiate your contract and having more than 2 teams actually want to sign you

[@nickwolf5975]

Also you shouldn’t be stuck with a jersey number if the one u want is taken they should give you a menu showing available numbers

[@jaggermiller2720]

Dude that actually sucks lol. I can score 150 points and only the team I was drafted by want me and one random team💀

[@ve5498]

I would like an nba 2k mycareer approach. Honestly, if they were allowed to just copy and paste mycareer and make it hockey instead of basketball, I would love that (obviously Ik they can’t do that).

[@Sonnnay]

YES! It's ridiculous to be the best player in the league and just get 2 offers from the same teams that are always only 2 year deals. It's near impossible to get on a team you want, meanwhile other superstars (McDavid, Mackinnon, Matthews) seem to be constantly switching teams.

[@austindurandetto7191]

Is be a pro like this still? That pissed me off last year

[@MrJizztin]

Remember when 2k would sell their titles for 19.99 meanwhile EA was charging $60. 2K actually felt like their game was progressing every year too!

[@garenthal9638]

Yeah now they sell their games for 60 and 100 while shoving micro transactions in your face harder than Jahovas witness

[@treymelton240]

Would LOVE to see NHL 2K get back in the market and offer competition

[@etiennevezina1647]

bring back 2k !!! the 09 th 10 th and 11 th was sooo great

[@bmoaw3321]

I live in Canada so I have to pay 80 bucks to buy it. The games are great but they did not change so I stopped getting them after 18. I am playing 21 and it is good but not great

[@redcat10]

And those retro teams 😍😍

[@cbennett_12]

NHL 22: Something’s Got to Give

[@danielzakrzewski.bardown]

lol

[@johngustafson7762]

Petition to rank every alternate 20/21

[@davidkueneman8372]

fact

[@TSN_Sports]

👀

[@braedenmarshall22]

I sign it

[@YouTubeChannel27651]

@@TSN_Sports dad

[@wafflefryer4281]

Yesssss

[@TutorialKing]

This is why I buy every other year. This year as well with no season until potentially Jan, I will probably wait longer to hopefully get it at a discount.

[@aleksikauranen3502]

Black friday or boxing day it almost always goes down 50%

[@yomiller4165]

Yeah I'm waiting til next year, at least. Being as the new consoles coming out in Nov. Might as well wait and get the same thing next year instead 🤷‍♂️

[@jamesnialG]

Yeah, I buy every second one. 19 was the last one I got and I was looking forward to getting an upgrade. But after watching this, I'm not sure I even want to bother.

[@dannyf21]

@@aleksikauranen3502 thats exactly what i do

[@709mash]

That's what I did. Got it last week on sale on the ps store for $38 bucks.

[@leekehrer]

The sad matter of fact is that the final joke about wanting to watch the review for NHL 22, just watch this back, is highly likely to be dead on. The sad truth is that EA have the monopoly on the NHL and have zero reasons to improve or be better or even different from year to year, because there's no competition. It's a lazy money spinner for them that will continue to do so as long as they aren't threatened by a competitor. But hey, we all know this.

[@jeffwarren1242]

It will almost certainly be the same game. We all saw how NHL 15 turned out.

[@KevinNerfs]

They did the same thing for the last few years of NCAA Football. People want that game back and act like it was an amazing game but it was fucking awful towards the end. It was the same game every year with a couple of token gameplay updates, slight graphical changes and updated rosters.

[@brg9759]

@@KevinNerfs completely false statement they where doing things with a smaller team that madden didn’t they completely revamped recruiting in 14 improved gameplay and why would they bring down the amazing dynasty mode they made you haven’t ever played the game it’s become very very very very clear

[@vladrabtsau2171]

I always buy the nhl games like 2 or 3 years apart. Doing this kept me around cause I actually see some kind of innovation from game to game, for example I just jumped from 17 to 21 and there’s quite a bit of a change.

[@jherinstamps6874]

Same

[@thestew56]

Im coming from nhl16. Got this on sale for 18bucks...its gotta be worth at least that

[@honkingantalope]

So after they go offline. I've been playing with the same players form nhl 14 to nhl 24. Lol

[@colinclarke8055]

Has anyone else noticed that when you score an empty netter the camera shows the wrong guy after?

[@jacobdorian4518]

It would be cool if EA added the new Seattle team to nhl 21

[@thekeegster6278]

They will next year. Which is what I’m waiting for. The last NHL game I got was 19, I wait about every 2-3 years to buy the new installment of NHL and FIFA.

[@handledog2126]

They really added the new Vegas centre ice but couldn’t add the new jersey for their expansion team 😐

[@oli_-bk4jq]

they didn’t even add the sens jersey

[@Zalwalloo]

True, that would be a really good addition, instead of every season being the exact same, there should be expansion drafts every once in a while, including the one we know for sure is coming soon.

[@ryamn2]

"Gets a little repetitive". That's such an understatement. I've already completed the first season(with the avs and won the cup) and now that I'm onto the second season it's just the same things. Coach tells you to do this one thing that he has said the last 100 games. You only talk to one teammate. And btw once you get your brand and teammates up to about max all this dialogue means absolutely nothing at that point. Edit: At the start I was only talking and having chats with makar but now I'm talking and chatting with MacKinnon. But keep in mind this is my theird year in be a pro. And they didnt mention how it's so stupid how you need more followers for stuff like wtf I need more followers to make a 1.5 mil donation to an animal refuge? Wtf. And can you at least tell me how many followers I need to make the donation?

[@futurephonograph]

Out of all the NHL reviews out there, the only one worth listening to is Bardown's. Z's and Corwin's insight is the most comprehensive. And by far the most honest. Radical suggestions in the end but I would be all for it if EA considers it for the NHL series. Good job guys!

[@danielzakrzewski.bardown]

Thanks man! 👊🏽

[@FinnishBigBoy]

One thing I've always dreamed about since I was 12 is a hockey wwith FIFA game's possibilities and features. You can play as a player like in French Division 2, and then start a manager career.

[@ollijokinen1571]

Thats a good feature yeah. Too bad Fifa's player career is the worst shit ever. There is literally nothing to do. Its one of the few game modes that is actually better in NHL.

[@bernardrechicomoisan6670]

The GM connected mode would be a pretty awesome thing to revive as a free to play game. you could pay for jerseys, player packs, skins etc.. and make it its own free game while also fixing all of the problems in the regular NHL game .

[@toemata4234]

I really like the idea of betting player cards in say online franchise mode! But it definately adds an element in world of Chel too

[@jean-danielboudreau3190]

Corwin and Z seem to have become the best of friends lately!

[@MultiMcdeath]

How can you say this? They are bitter rivals.

[@mcj88]

Be-A-Pro added some cosmetic stuff but actually _took out_ one thing I liked: being able to play a full CHL season (or four). Plus goalie controls are still overly-complicated trash, _and_ no new jerseys so far except Buffalo's... Might stick with NHL 20 to be honest. 5.5/10

[@Scendence_]

They didn't even get the new Ottawa logo and jerseys in the game yet... As shit as Madden 21 is, at least they got the Washington Football Team right...

[@mattlaubhan4991]

Oh geez...they work the new logo into the next update

[@nugznodrugz5765]

lol

[@raff998]

So many glitches in this game. Scouting, chemistry, trades all broken in Franchise mode. The overalls in the creation zone is broken. Be A Pro gets very repetitive after awhile with the conversation system, and why they removed full seasons in the CHL for juniors is so stupid. And the free agency for BAP is still awful. Get two teams to choose from, and can't negotiate or even see the roster before choosing. But HUT is ready day one as per usual. EA looks like they are going to take one step forward, but they just take two steps back again as always. Also, ROSTER SHARING needs to be in this game because the rosters they have are so BAAAAAAAAD. Please 2K come back to the NHL video game franchise.

[@smgdizzy7359]

Well said bro... wish they would make the be a pro like 2k21 Mycareer u get the option of where u wanna go or u can randomize cos they give u the option, everyone going to NYR or LA is very stupid....NHL is behind all sports games makes me mad as a hockey lover.

[@smgdizzy7359]

Also why on BAP does every team get like 6 random players? That are on other teams on multi yr deals... its like fantasy draft... 2k21 does a very good job of making it realistic

[@jacksonsandell1625]

For some reason all my fuckin scouts just scout the worse possible prospects instead of the best ones...

[@veetee355]

Stfu

[@Dracox78000]

Fr you only get two contract options in be a pro. ... what a joke

[@austinheath9439]

I really couldn't have said it better myself. Ya'll hit the nail on the head perfectly. I'm actually surprised you guys gave it as high a rating at the end as you did.

[@bobbyfothergill7915]

I didn't get NHL20 last year and I feel this was a good refresher from 19 and I enjoy it right now

[@cartercarter3484]

smart

[@bobbyfothergill7915]

@Please enter a name I think you'll enjoy it

[@Itsjoelnotjoel]

Same!

[@yourthebestaround1]

Making this free is something that I can totally see being a way for fans to really get into hockey

[@renhoek7531]

Hockey fans like hockey games regardless of price. Download the demo and play the bullshit nhl 3s over and over again if you want free. But that nhl 3s crap aint hockey my friend. Outscoring the opponent 6-2 and still losing is dainty wristed bullderdash lol

[@brg9759]

@@renhoek7531 no one plays nhl games for ultra sim nhl they play it for fun I don’t touch online modes but I still like high scoring games

[@renhoek7531]

@@brg9759 so you enjoy losing even when you outscore the opponent? I disagree but I respect your thinking on it. It's not my cup of tea tho. Winning is winning lol NHL hits didn't need phantom goals for the game to be fun. I just don't get that part of it. Other than that it actually is a fun little mini game

[@ethanrose6263]

Hi, my name is Ethan Rose, and I am a huge fan of BarDown, last year, I got bullied due to the fact that I was to skinny, and I didn’t fit in cause of the fact that I was different than the rest. BarDown was the one channel I watched to help me get through that tough time, and you guys have helped me get through many tough times more than being bullied, when my uncle died to cancer, I watched you guys because i felt like you guys were my friends. I hope you guys see this, and if you do, thank you.

[@leflur9754]

Guys, great video. Couldn’t agree more with most of what you said. Free to play would be a boon to HUT and would probably lead to better gameplay. Maybe franchise mode wouldn’t get the much needed love it needs, but what about the prospect of GM connected? If the game was free, that would blow up.

[@paulcyr22]

I’ve owned every game since 93 I agree with all of this and these are the things the game needs in its overhaul 1. All star game with skill comp ( used in franchise and be a pro) 2. More in depth creation mode for eashl and players 3. Record books for be a pro and franchise with commentary about being close to a record 4. As stated a neighbourhood 2k style be a pro mode or eashl mode 5. A be a pro or franchise that has years with World Cup or Olympics where your players can be chosen and you can play the event (have it every 4 years during be a pro or franchise to keep those fresh. 6. Increased presentation for modes 7. Basically take a 2k nba game and merge it with nhl

[@jaylytical2271]

I always loved playing be a pro as a kid, seeing my last name on the back of an nhl jersey was always awesome. For the last couple years I’ve just hated be a pro and as I’ve started to branch into nba 2K I was done with NHL be a pros. However this year has been a step in the right direction and even though it’s not nearly as good as 2K, I have enjoyed playing it so far. Plus the milestones page looks great and the record book is a nice addition as well

[@skyroshroud]

7/10 is extremely high rating for this haha. I've hated basketball for the longest time but and as scummy as 2kgames are with their ingame ads and gambling mechanics, they really nailed that career mode so well, not only giving you a deep pre draft story but kept giving you things to do and unlock throughout the whole season. EA could learn a lot from it

[@noobmaster-wj3qm]

Their franchise mode is great too

[@gunfighter009]

I wish the 2k story would at least go through your full first year

[@northstarstatepolitics1652]

2k's games actually have good gameplay and are somewhat accurate to Basketball. Madden on the other hand.....................

[@fazeliquidjellieballs]

At least Be A Pro is fun, just turn the accuracy and power sliders up to 100.

[@hrandrsn]

i wish i could like this comment more than once

[@lucasserwa8149]

@@hrandrsn what does he mean by the power sliders?

[@lukecanning94]

Lucas Serwa shot power

[@tuvaluluisdead7494]

He’s too powerful to be kept alive

[@KrisVic91]

How is that fun? That'd get boring fast

[@atlaslogan750]

I’ve been getting the newer ones since my friends have it all. I also have it for an updated overall. People also buy the newer games and I like online

[@zackmcnitt]

I like how you guys said about Be A Pro being like NBA Career Mode. With all the practicing training and customization it has would be great for Be A Pro. I would love to have my character skate around and practice with or without teammates at my choosing and before games they could have pre game skates where you can shoot at your own goalie on your half of the ice and then get to you game whenever you want to.

[@samanator19]

Thank you for the honest review. Game sucks we need 2k to come back. Havent bought an NHL game since NHL 14

[@KrisVic91]

15 old gen or legacy is tiny bit better

[@connor4310]

The soundtrack is a crime in my opinion

[@freedomthefreeman487]

Another thing 2K does great. Rotating soundtracks throughout the year.

[@lukethompson2714]

It would be cool if you could choose from playlists of old soundtracks and make playlists of your favorite songs and put American phsyco next to sweetness and the boys are back

[@hiwifi4898]

@@lukethompson2714 That’s genius. It’s also 10x smarter than anything EA has ever done for this series.

[@CJ10628]

The commentary is a crime, they say the dumbest shit. They need to look at MLB the show and work off that

[@Anfernee3355]

Fantastic review.... I normally wait until these games go on deep discount, but I paid full price because they seem to at least be making the right changes this year, and I want to financially support them this one time. If they screw up NHL 22, I'm done. I know they are a smaller studio and you're absolutely right... it's no excuse when they charge 60 dollars, but nobody really buys these games at full price. I figured if I buy it at full price, maybe that's the impetus for them to fix Franchise Mode and make some improvements to the next gen version. If not, somebody else needs to make a hockey game. EA is really terrible across all platforms (FIFA, Madden, etc), but even 2K has abused the promise they once had.

[@brianlee1933]

Love the suggestion of taking 2k career mode and adding it to nhl. Love the free version idea, much like many other games direction. I haven't play nhl since ps3 like nhl 14 maybe lol. So it's all new now! They should take your idea and incorporate them hell, maybe just take their jobs.

[@dougmazing]

Thank for bringing up that they should go to free to play i have been say that for 4 years now im not alone on this one

[@RandallHauk]

I love how you wrap it because we never upgraded from the 360, so this is my first hockey game since I don't know when, but I'm excited to try.

[@reekyfartin]

Yes I want a longer video of you guys talking about nhl please. It’s one of the constants of me growing up and it’s going down a path that makes me kinda sad.

[@herlevh19]

I would play a footbal manager esc game but with hockey. I like that stuff like stats and training have a big impact on the players that you sign or draft. In the current way franchise mode is done it's not up to you how players develop their skills like puck handling or stick checking as an example but make it up to us. You already have coaches, make the coaches more impactful. It think Corvin's right. Franchise mode could easily be a game itself with a few changes. Make one game and update it. Do like other big games like world of warcraft does. Make big patches, when a new season is about to start.

[@herlevh19]

Also longer video plz :D

[@alliedatheistalliance6776]

@@ratedRblazin420 Yeah, also Eastside Hockey Manager which is a bit older. But I think there might be mods for the current season.

[@jangorz7115]

You guys should play one of the most underrated NHL Games Nhl Legacy Edition

[@elliotpell]

My first nhl 🥰

[@KrisVic91]

My fave E.a NHL. Granted I only have an xbox360 but the next gen ea nhls just looks bad.

[@ime1o]

much needed video, thank you for trying to push NHL forward

[@derekvonkeszycki8210]

NHL 19 becoming free to xbox users with gold back in June 2019 is literally what got me into hockey and your guys videos. They would benefit so much by at least making nhl 20 available with game pass or something similar.

[@jimdurham247]

What happened to the quiz videos?? I miss those. The other content is good, but the quizzes are what keep me coming back.

[@danielzakrzewski.bardown]

Should have an update on that soon...stay tuned

[@teejgussytytymcleod9788]

I'm still gonna buy it, but for the first time ever im gonna wait for the price drop. I only play franchise anyway

[@andrewmaddix1999]

Hi, massive fan of you two. I have 5 suggestions I would like them to add, mind you I’ve played since NHL 06 and only missed a few title (maybe 4-6 of them) 1st - Eliminate Sound Tracks Partner with a radio station and get ads on the station to promote your game 2nd - “The Barn” This one is similar to what you two were saying, make a single rink you can walk around in to play Ones, GM mode (an office), Eashl, and a change room for your character. 3rd - Change the menus PLEASE Nothing more to say.. 4th - Cheaper game, however more micro transactions Oh you like the old teams in the league from the 30s, $3 per old team that comes with old Jerseys, players and rink styles And lastly 5 Connected franchise; I’m honestly probably not gonna buy the game this year. I love the new dekes and focus on old game modes that need updates but I mainly only play EASHL and franchise mode and I don’t see anything new about either of them at all. Keep up the hard work TSN boys, can’t wait to see you all back on the ice again having fun and making super cool vlogs... I have one suggestions for you guys, during this lockdown please rip more packs, I would watch 50 videos on you all doing a bunch of pack rips almost like HUT pack openings. Have a safe end of the year, Stay Awesome (‘-‘)

[@freedomthefreeman487]

Pack openings? You’re the problem lmao

[@medguy12]

They made some REALLY good points in this vid at the end. I haven’t bought an nhl game since ‘18 because year over year it’s the same game with a couple of different skins & UI updates. I agree that such minor changes and minimal effort should warrant a lower price point.

[@halfclappertopchedda]

Buddy on the right always looks like he took a steamer in his short and is sitting in the slop. Good review none the less.

[@HT-sm9dm]

‘Buddy’? You must be from Vancouver 😂

[@AlligatorAdam999]

I’m looking forward to when EA creates some of the cutscenes from BAP and puts them in Franchise Mode, like you can see the draft and the players walking on to the stage

[@djah0994]

Honest review by you guys helped

[@calebiscool7859]

yea the soundtrack honestly isnt anything special this year at all

[@fayyadhuq1203]

The songs are already driving me nuts

[@mikedocemrick9497]

I think the problem is how little songs there are. We get sick of them so easily cause there is like 20 songs.

[@ryans413]

My question is why dose Ovi get treated like he’s Wayne Gretzky in this game. Yea he’s good but did he need a whole video of him at the start of this game. Like he’s good but it’s just odd to me.

[@LurchyScott]

I miss being able to have custom soundtracks on the PS3/360. The thing is they could still do that with the spotify app.

[@ozzuna5748]

@@ryans413 because he is probly going to break the goal record before he retires and he plays in an era of larger pads and better goal tending

[@jandroseef244]

Compared to madden this is a huge improvement by ea madden is literally a carbon copy with the yard at least they added 3 new mechanics and 2 new game modes while expanding be a pro

[@Weewization]

I'd love to see the longer video. I feel like the normal play mode/EASHL on its own would be enough for a free version and be a pro/franchise would be behind the paywall, as those modes on their own won't be the thing that specifically lures in new players, it'll be the normal gameplay

[@airsang]

I like these guys. Great review. I enjoy playing HUT and building up my team for online competition. But the fact this game is basically the same as last year I feel like I'm in need of breaking the cycle of buying the game annually every year. I don't want to pay full price with this ongoing problem, maybe I'll wait for the day this game goes on sale hopefully on black Friday.

[@keegangamble6084]

They need to make an NHL game for phones, like Madden Mobile and NBA Mobile

[@harellzi]

You speak facts

[@ironlion1403]

Someone needs to start to hype this up I hope 2k would buy nhl from ea maybe we’ll get a actually good game

[@chasekirby3787]

Was waiting for this video!!

[@ColonizerChan]

I played a pro for 6-7 in game years in NHL 19 even a season with the OHL. So getting into NHL 21 be a pro mode was nice, but damn I wish there was more off ice stuff.

[@FinnTheCanadian]

Bardown 6s team twitch streams?????

[@yeeyeeasshaircut5095]

2k needs to come back so ea actually has to try

[@jaxonhook9090]

I don’t know if it’s just me but I can’t even skate 2 feet without the ai just pokechecking the puck from my stick every time I get it. And half of my passes just hit the skates

[@frazernagy3143]

Another great video! Keep it up

[@tschonman1164]

I preordered NHL 21 on the 8th, and I still haven’t gotten my preorder code. I contacted EA two days ago. I’ll edit this comment if something happens. Update: EA told me to talk to Amazon and Amazon didn’t really know there was a pre-order bonus, or how to access the code. They are sending me a new copy just to check if the code will come in the package (even though new copies most likely won’t have anything else because it was just for pre-order copies) so they will discuss with EA if nothing’s there. Idk why EA just couldn’t send me a code. I included a photo that proved I preordered it, and now everything’s just getting delayed.

[@Joe-ic3oe]

Check ur email buddy🤣

[@tschonman1164]

@@Joe-ic3oe Yeah good tip. I’ve been doing it for the past two weeks. Nothing.

[@jonesy7425]

I was walking my dog this morning with one thought on my mind: "When are my Bardown homies going to review NHL 21?" I go to work, and BAM! Here it is! Thanks guys! 👍

[@jaseot]

I went to a rouyn noranda huskies QMJHL game, it was awesome.

[@ericarmit232]

Thanks great video!

[@nouh3053]

Theres no way im paying full price for this game, $80 Be a Pro.... Get real

[@dannyf21]

Boxing week sales

[@nouh3053]

@@dannyf21 exactly

[@goated4508]

Honestly, as someone who has played almost the past decade of nhl games, they have plateaued in terms of on-ice and the actual hockey game. This isn’t a bad thing, in fact it means they should literally have the same mechanics going forward, don’t touch anything here, and improve the presentation aspects. Purely as a hockey simulation experience, it’s near perfect. The passing, shooting, dekes, and Defense free stick are all outstanding, and even the checking and celebrations are still good (incorporate more real life celebrations and bring back hip checks). The extraneous stuff is where the fault lies. I don’t mind James Cybulski as the main commentator, but he takes me entirely out of the experience. When have you ever heard him calling a game on nhl network or nbc or TSN or sports centre? Never, because he doesn’t. He already feels just as stale as doc emrick did, but I only felt that way about doc after several years of him doing it. They need a marquis man to spend their budget on, in the vein of jim hughson or Gord Miller or someone else who’s recognizable to actually get people in the mindset and simulated HNIC experience. And remove the foolish non essential stuff for the presentation as well. Do you see snoop dogg in the real nhl game presentations? No, so why have him in a game droning on about how he influenced rap and hockey to collaborate. Use the money spent on his feature to get actual analysts and reporters like Shawn McKenzie or Kyle Bukauskus for pre-game messages in the rink and interviews in between periods with players (like nba does) and have people like David amber and Cassie campbell do the 1st intermission coaches corner style breakdowns of the game to keep people invested in the experience (again, like NBA does with shaq kenny and ernie). So many wasted opportunities here! And I appreciate the improvements to be a pro, but again as Bardown said there needs to be massive facelifts to the franchise mode, from the trading and scouting to the draft and deadline itself, as well as showing major signings and tradings of star players and firings of coaches (like how MLB does, by showing the actual pictures or models of stars involved in the transactions taking place). And for the love of god get rid of hockey analyst. Please god. And a longer and more rink appropriate soundtrack. Please. NHL games are like a steakhouse. The steak (in game gameplay) is good, it’s supposed to be freaking good, it’s expected. But it’s the sides and appetizers (franchise mode, winter classic, be a pro, battle for the cup, etc) that truly set aside good from great. God I so badly want nhl games to be good

[@brandonyankees1]

Yea the gameplay is always good they need more features and making modes deeper

[@Vikingson]

Overhaul Franchise mode, be able to use custom players in local ones matches, practice drills for be a pro and franchise.

[@a.j.petrarca2268]

13:16 DZ you are 100% correct about 2k. I have NEVER cared about basketball, but 2k20 was free on psn a few months back so I got it. I played through an entire 82 game season, and now I'm more interested in basketball than ever. It was all because of how much fun I've had playing 2k!

[@ifedero3762]

EA”Sports” has gone to 💩

[@mikes7446]

They really have.

[@painrayxo2771]

shut up

[@T0mat0_S0up]

@@painrayxo2771 No

[@TSN_Sports]

Second

[@obl857]

third

[@redlof23metsys]

4th

[@andyobrien627]

5th

[@patrickmalone2259]

I had a idea while watching this video maybe franchise can make a league like u enter the league with 30 other players and you randomly get assigned a team but it is spread out over 10 years you have to build the best franchise and win the most cups you can make trades through a game chat aspect and each season is about a 5 days long lasting about 2 months I think it would really bring life back to franchise mode and give people a reason to stay active in it and maybe at the end of the year like June July the top 31 people per console go in to a finale and they win a prize

[@liammish8548]

Yes I would love to see longer video on this

[@Jacob-gu3in]

Yes to a longer video/discussion!

[@nollieflipcrook]

Great video guys

[@anthonyspinelli7984]

Imo I rlly like this game. It feels fresh and new. Granted I’ve only played since nhl 19 but the overhall of bap and the new looks of the game, I rlly like. I don’t play franchise mode that often but most of the other modes I like and they feel good.

[@jotero2251]

Guys thanks for your assessment. I started following hockey and fantasy hockey BECAUSE OF video game. I’ve been playin hockey since days of Super Nintendo. But u nailed.....whole console generation of NHL 15 - 20 was WOEFUL. AND I WAS ANGRY for it.

[@samhanrahan9690]

I generally buy every second year just because it is essentially the same game but with new player ratings. The idea of it being free is different, could possibly make a 6v6 mode where you get a position and play in either a party or with randoms. Where it would be a 10-minute game, can pick your desired position, and you are assigned an in-game rank to kind of keep the games balanced.

[@Thecermit]

Good Review. NHL 20 is my first NHL game since 2001. And I really enjoy the Be A Pro mode but wish there was more thought put into it. So after watching this review I think I'll just stick to NHL 20

[@Laurtendy]

I bought NBA2K just for the custom teams creation. To be able to put in my own custom logos was such a game changer. I would LOVE for the NHL games to do the same. I was so disappointed in no change in create a team from NHL21

[@mrclean444]

I literally agree with every single word said in this video, and it’s sad. I’ve been buying and playing nhl since NHL 07 and I seriously feel like giving up on the series so I can stop wasting my money. The same repeat over and over again with no drastic differences that makes me ACTUALLY wanna continue playing....I’ve been a hockey fan all my life with zero interests of any other sport up until I tried nba 2k20...it was a game changer. The gameplay was amazing, online modes were endless and the complete opposite of shallow like nhl. I fell so in love with the story mode to the point where i started to actually watch basketball games on tv and follow up with teams and players JUST because I started playing nba, A VIDEO GAME. My point being is all I want is for EA Sports to finally wake up so we could have a game that could do the same....

[@SamuliK96]

The last one I've played is 19, and based on a couple reviews that I've watched, 21 really doesn't seem very different, especially considering my playing, which is only franchise and instant games. However, I got access to 21 without it costing anything for myself, so obviously I'll try it out and see what it's like.

[@simoncaton1226]

The last NHL I played is the legacy edition for 360 (a more refined NHL 14). Is it really that bad?

[@penguingmz__yt1923]

I like how the EASHL person was Jeff Boukebom Jr

[@LoganD]

Also being able to negotiate your contract as a free agent

[@jessujepetius4133]

Wouldn’t it be awesome, if the future GM modes had like the international competitions like Fifa, well I’m not so sure about the standard WC, but like you could pick any international team you want and play U-20 WJC

[@kmart67620]

Honestly I personally like it. BAP has improved but there's still room to do so. Franchise has also improved imo with the trade deadline minigame. But also because of the options to have better quality draft classes

[@patrickmalone2259]

I had a idea while watching this video maybe franchise can make a league like u enter the league with 30 other players and you randomly get assigned a team but it is spread out over 10 years you have to build the best franchise and win the most cups you can make trades through a game chat aspect and each season is about a 5 days long lasting about 2 months I think it would really bring life back to franchise mode and give people a reason to stay active in it and maybe at the end of the year like June July the top 31 people per console go in to a finale and they win a prize like so bardown sees

[@sawyerhebbs976]

I agree with the be a pro stuff I want it to be more like 2K and I also want EA to make the same kinda stuff with franchise mode right now when I play it I don’t feel like a GM I want interviews with players I just got and make promises to the owner stuff like that

[@mebigbear]

I think most people buy this game year after year is for the rosters update. But to tell you the truth I'm getting tired of the same game year after year. I was thinking of getting this year's game but I will hold off and buy it used in a few months and save some money. Lol great video.

[@paulschlimmer5687]

A neighborhood concept like 2k would be so sick for chel like make the roads canals and have like pond hockey pickup like the park. Being able to practice dekes on the canals would also be sick. Like you just skate around with a puck.

[@josephlewis7618]

Make "Be A Pro" mode like Madden 20's "QB1" mode. I never played Madden games before but a friend of mine suggested that and once I played it, I was blown away.

[@leekehrer]

Ice Hockey video games, for me, have always been about sitting down with my brother or friends and playing co-op or vs games and having a Hartford Whale of a time doing it. Enjoying the game with others. That's the key. EA should focus on this to keep people, like me, happy. I'm glad to hear from you guys that some of the online modes are still fun. Long may it continue. But the focus should definitely shift towards this more. And like you guys say, some kind of neighbourhood mode like NBA (Which I've never played) sounds like a breath of fresh air.

[@funtimes8296]

I'm sure glad someone is having a Hartford Whale of a time because every years NHL release day just gives me the St. Louis Blues

[@leekehrer]

@@funtimes8296 Haha, nice one.

[@chetherndon8237]

When y'all talked about NHL having a smaller development team but still compares pricewise to other big name games, another game that had a smaller development team was the college football games, NCAA. And those games were adored by their fans and they listened to what changes should be made. I would think a smaller development team would want to improve based on what their fans are saying so as not to lose their job to another developer saying they can do a better job and taking the rights away

[@tylershep4220]

I think another thing they should explore is putting it on PC. As of right now, it's pretty much the only major sports game that's only on console. 2k, Madden, and Fifa all have PC versions that account for a small percentage of sales, but a percentage nonetheless. It might open the game up to a larger audience.

[@mikesg878]

That point about madden is so true actually. I used to like hockey way more until I started getting into football because of madden.

[@videogamesnow7071]

You summed up BAP pretty well. I wish there were more challenges and ways for you to be more involved with your brand, ie meeting fans, doing a skills competition etc. Also, I could really do with new sports commentators. James Cyulski’s voice makes me want perforate my ear drums. At least offer some DLC for alternative well known commentators. Ray Ferraro is ok but there are better play by play analysts out there too.

[@jadenmoody9548]

I rarely watched basketball but I played it a lot and decided to get 2k19 and that my career mode got me hooked on 2k and even got me watching a lot more basketball which sucks because I’ve always loved hockey as a Canadian but for the first time in years I didn’t get nhl on launch day and probably won’t get it

[@cameronrussell4432]

Not to hate I appreciate you guys doing this, it just came out updates will be made most likely