So much hate for the game
For context, I jumped from NHL 14 on PS3 to 22 on Xbox Series X last week. I play on Superstar difficulty. I have experience playing NHL 20 with family and I considered 20 to be an awful gameplay. Stickchecks super sensitive to penalties, but also hits were super toned down, goals felt bland, idk I just preferred 14.
But NHL 22 finally feels like a step in the right direction imo.
The big negative for me is the player indicator... I often have to guess if my player is with the puck or not.
Yes, it's difficult to play offensively, but it became easier when I stopped trying to carry the puck the whole way and stopped trying stretch passes all over the ice like in 14. Short passes and keeping the stick away from defenders is key, and it makes sense. Also can't just press X to become invincible in puck protection - nice! The battles along the boards also feel much more alive. My player actually goes around and tries to hit the puck back to them instead of... poking until its either a trip or the opponent just glides away.
Hits are back to being brutal when you carch a player the right way, but you can also resist one if you take it correctly.
The goals that I manage also feel very realistic. Rebounds, deflections, the odd one-tiner and dekes... its scored from taking advantage of mlcing the D until there's a flaw in the defensive zone coversge rather than just using rush opportunities.
TLDR: I'm having fun playing an NHL game other than 14 and its kinda unexpected.