NHL-2009
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EA predicts Bruins as NHL playoffs champs
The match-ups are set for this year's NHL playoffs, and once again Electronic Arts has peered into its EA Sports-brand crystal ball to predict the outcome of this latest run at the Stanley Cup. EA workaholics played through the playoff race in NHL 09, eventually naming the Boston Bruins as league champs following a six game battle with original six rival Chicago Blackhawks. Not to say the Bruins aren't due following a 37-year drought, but EA also predicted that the San Jose Sharks would come out on top in 2008 (fun fact: they didn't). Clearly reality does not always favor the screen, and it remains to be seen if Boston or one of the other 15 playoff hopefuls will be the team to actually hoist Lord Stanley above their heads.
Joystiq X08 interview: NHL 09 producer Andy Agostini
Who says a sports franchise can't reinvent itself? For EA Sports, the NHL game franchise has done just that over the last three versions. After introducing the analog control mechanic in NHL 07 along with the AHL teams and Create-a-Play feature in NHL 08, it would appear the franchise has gone as far as it can. Well, sports fans, NHL 09 attempts to break the mold once again with its Be a Pro mode. The mode is instantly recognizable to fans of FIFA 08 but different because it's spread across seasons in NHL 09, rather than single games. In an interview with Joystiq at Microsoft's X08 in Toronto, NHL 09 producer Andy Agostini discussds the Be a Pro mode, annual creativity and the hardships of updating rosters after a title ships. [MP3] Download this interview in MP3 format
Phaneuf body checks his way onto NHL 09
According to an article in The Calgary Sun, Calgary Flames defenceman Dion Phaneuf will be gracing the cover of EA's NHL 09. Focusing on more defensive gameplay and hard-hitting checks, EA Sports decided to give the cover nod to one of the hardest-htting, and high-scoring, defensive players in the league. "There are always a lot of options for who we want on our cover, and Phaneuf was a perfect choice for us this year," said David Littman, lead producer of NHL 09. Currently in development at EA Vancouver, NHL 09 is scheduled to hit retail before the puck drops on the new season.
