"Unwinnable" online games?

[mike10778]

Ive really started playing a lot more NHL 09 online lately, and does anyone feel this way? Sometimes I can get a game going with someone, and within one minute, realize I have no shot at winning this game. It turns into a combination of getting beaten to every puck and getting blown up by the slightest touch.

I was Calgary today, vs. Boston. Time and time again, I was getting beaten to pucks. I would control Iginla, the other guy a Bruin defenseman, and I was getting smoked. Overall, just the overall feel of my game was different, like my team was playing one slider notch lower on "game speed" than the other team.

Also, the checking...Ive tried really being quick on my passing, but the hits are unreal...between the massive effects the hits have, to the effectiveness of the poke check, it makes for a frustrating experience...

That, and the crappy goals, the super goalies, etc...

[bukktown]

I agree somewhat. Sometimes you hit like 10 posts and you know it is not your game. As far as being a step slower, I do notice that occasionally. You really have to double check what lines you have coming out for each faceoff. Sometimes the cpu will put a a tired line or Defensive pairing. I think that might be what makes your team seem a step slow.
Also when you consistently get beat on faceoffs it feels like you cant win either.

[matt8204]

Online is a mess this year IMHO. Interference going on all over the ice without being called, stick-lift abusers, etc. I find that it's very difficult to score also, even if you set up some glorious scoring chances and take good shots.

[Phobia]

Yea this is a problem. I notice the same thing, the same way you described it. Within a min I can tell if it is one of those lopsided games. Guys steady beat your guys to loose pucks, if you do get their a tad sooner you will be blown up as if you are a 8 year old on ice.

But these have been few and far between for me. Most of the games don't have this feel. But every now and then you will get one of those games you can just tell off the bat the CPU will not allow you to win.

But all EA games have this crap.

[gbx34]

60+ Games and i have never noticed anything.

[ChiTownKid]

Some games are just like that. I played one game online earlier today against the Penguins, and made the guy quit after I went up 5-0. Right after that, I played some dude who took Hamilton, an AHL team, and I only scored 1 goal, out of 35 shots. I think about 20 of them rang off the post. And I was using the Blackhawks. It's crazy.

But there have been games which were just as you described; can't score, everything going against me, out-skated, out-possessed.. and I'll be down by two or threegoals. But then I'll come back. It's all pretty freaking random, and I can't tell if it's just a natural settling of percentages, or if games really are stacked one way or the other. Of course, sometimes, I'm just outplayed by people who are better than me. Simple as that.

I'll say one thing, though, my eight-game winning streak that I had online not long ago might just be one of the greatest video game accomplishments I've ever earned.

[tgalv]

lag is definitely a factor. if it's bad it can make the game a lot harder or easier depending on which side is at the disadvantage. it happens on online teamplay too. some games you'll feel like you're playing offline as you're constantly sticklifting and pokechecking pucks like a defensive beast and some games if you're playing D you have to just back off and forget about even trying it since the guy is going to maneuver right past you at the slighest misstep.

[Jingling]

I don't follow.