Welcome ECHL minor league hockey to the slate of EA’s hockey sim. It’s not a terribly accurate inclusion – no matter the league, each game is “broadcast” on NBC with all of the production value of a major network too. It’s an unusual lapse of authenticity for NHL.

The series still maintains its classy simulation pedigree, with slight upgrades sprinkled throughout. A roster update? For the most part, but as with NBA 2K, there’s limited room to move forward. NHL’s peak quality is just that good.

4/5