ESPN National Hockey Night (USA)

Start by picking a game mode from the main menu. Exhibition throws you right into a single match, while season mode lets you play through a full schedule. After selecting teams, the puck drops and you control your skaters with the D-pad, using the A and B buttons for passes, shots, and body checks. The shoulder buttons switch between your active player or call line changes, depending on the situation.

Your core objective is to score more goals than the opponent in three periods. On offense, move the puck up the ice with passes and look for openings to shoot. On defense, try to intercept passes or knock the puck carrier off the puck. The game uses a simple stamina system - if you hold the speed boost too long, your player slows down. New players should start with exhibition on the easiest difficulty to learn the feel of skating and stickhandling. The AI can be tough even on default settings, so don't get discouraged if you lose a few games at first.