How To Score In NHL 23? 6 Expert Tips To Dominate The Game

If you’re a fan of NHL 23, you know that scoring goals is one of the most exciting and challenging parts of the game. Whether you’re playing against friends or facing off against strangers online, knowing how to score can give you a serious edge over your opponents.

But with so many different strategies and tactics out there, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this list of six expert tips to help you dominate the game and become a scoring machine.

“Scoring goals in NHL 23 requires both skill and strategy. With these expert tips, you’ll be able to take your game to the next level and leave your opponents in the dust.”

From choosing the right players to mastering the art of deking, our tips cover all the essentials you need to know to boost your scoring power and win more games. And even if you’re already an experienced player, you might discover some new tricks and techniques that you haven’t tried before.

So whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out, read on to learn how to score in NHL 23 like a true pro!

Master the Art of Shooting

Develop Proper Shooting Form

If you want to score in NHL 23, mastering your shooting technique is crucial. To develop proper shooting form, start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees bent. Position the puck a few inches behind your front foot and shift your weight onto your back foot as you prepare to shoot.

Next, aim for the top half of the net and keep your eyes on the target throughout the entire shot. Your stick should be pulled back towards your body before you release it forward towards the puck.

During the follow-through, make sure that the blade of your stick stays low and travels upwards towards the target. The ideal angle for shooting is roughly 45 degrees, which will create a difficult shot for the goalie to block.

“Having good form when taking a shot can significantly increase your chances of scoring.” -Jeremy Rupke

Practice Different Shooting Techniques

In order to master the art of shooting, don’t rely on just one type of shot. Practice different techniques like wrist shots, slap shots, and snap shots. Wrist shots are especially effective when you’re close to the goal because they’re quick and accurate. Meanwhile, slap shots generate more power but require more setup time.

Snap shots fall somewhere between wrist shots and slap shots in terms of speed and accuracy. Mastering all three types of shots will give you a diverse range of options depending on the situation at hand.

There are several other factors to consider when practicing shooting. For example, you must learn how to position your stick properly according to where the puck is coming from. Additionally, your timing needs to be precise so that you connect with the puck at the right moment. As with anything in hockey, practicing these aspects of shooting is essential to becoming more proficient at it.

“In order to score in NHL 23, you need to be able to use a variety of shots effectively” -Jared Hager

Learn How to Deke Like a Pro

If you’re an NHL 23 player, you know the importance of scoring goals. One way to increase your chances is by mastering dekes or fakes. A good deking move can catch your opponent off-guard and give you a clear shot at the goal. Here are some tips on how you can improve your deking skills like a pro.

Master Basic Deke Moves

The first step towards becoming an expert in deking is to master basic moves. Start with simple one-handed dekes like pulling the puck across the body or moving it from side-to-side while skating in front of the goalie. These moves will help you confuse defenders and create openings for shots. Another fundamental technique you should work on is changing direction quickly using crossovers. This skill helps you to navigate around defenders more effectively. As you practice these basic moves, you’ll build up confidence and learn what works for you.

Learn Advanced Deke Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to move onto more advanced techniques. Advanced dekes are essentially combinations of basic moves that require great timing and skill. For example, try incorporating double cuts into your play. To do this, make a small fake and then immediately cut in the opposite direction. You can also work on incorporating stutter steps into your game, where you fake in one direction before quickly accelerating in another. A popular deke among professionals is the ‘windmill’ move. This involves rotating your arms over the stick before coming back in the opposite direction. The windmill is particularly powerful because it can have various outcomes, making it hard for the defender to anticipate your next move.

Deke in Different Situations

Perhaps even more crucial is knowing when to use certain deke moves in specific situations. For instance, one-on-one breakaways call for a different approach from working the perimeter of the ice looking for an opening. When approaching a defender in one-on-one situations, it’s vital to keep your speed up and make quick movements left or right to throw off their line of sight. Similarly, when passing across the blue line, always be cautious not to give away the puck through turnovers that lead to counter-attacks by the other team.

Practice Deke Moves Consistently

Becoming a master at dekes requires consistent practice. Even professionals have to devote many hours to perfecting these techniques. As you work on mastering basic skills, set achievable goals for yourself, such as performing ten crossovers, three windmill fakeouts, etc. Practicing will help improve your muscle memory while also building confidence in various game situations. Another tip is to watch video tutorials and replays of professional games to observe the best players’ methods. Practice each move until it feels like second nature. Before too long, you’ll begin seeing improvements in both your offensive play and overall performance.

“The most satisfying part of hockey, indeed all sports, has to be developing a good skillset.” -Nate Tschida

Mastering deking skills can significantly influence your success in NHL 23. Focus on practicing fundamental one-handed dekes before moving on to advanced combinations. Pay attention to the situation and know what type of deke works best in specific scenarios. Finally, stay patient and committed, and with time and effort, you’ll develop expert-level deking skills.

Utilize Effective Passing Techniques

If you want to be successful in NHL 23, you need to be able to pass the puck effectively. Your passing ability can make or break your team’s chances of scoring goals and winning games. Here are some tips on how to improve your passing skills.

Master Basic Passing Techniques

The first step to becoming a great passer is mastering the basics. Start by practicing your tape-to-tape passes and saucer passes. These fundamental techniques are essential for delivering accurate passes that will reach your teammates without being intercepted by opponents. Additionally, focus on developing proper timing and placement of your passes to maximize their effectiveness.

“The key to good passing is not only accuracy but timing. The right moment to get rid of the puck has nothing to do with complicated thinking; it’s all about feeling.” -Wayne Gretzky

You should also work on improving your communication with your teammates so that they know where you intend to pass the puck. This can be done through verbal cues or using hand signals. Proper communication helps to prevent turnovers and increases your team’s chance of retaining possession.

Learn Advanced Passing Techniques

Once you have mastered the basic passing techniques, it’s time to move onto more advanced techniques such as bank passes, drop passes, and backhand passes. These more complex techniques allow you to create various angles and options when passing to a teammate, giving you an edge over defenders who may not expect such moves.

“As soon as I saw MacInnis at the point, my job became easy. Get open and he’d find me.” -Brett Hull

Try experimenting with different types of passes during practice drills and use them during gameplay scenarios. However, always remain judicious with your decision to use any kind of advance passing technique. High-risk plays might lead to turnovers in precarious positions leading to goals conceded. Therefore, be confident and understand the situation before attempting an advanced pass.

Pass in Different Situations

You need to adjust your passing based on different game situations and strategies that would require you to pass differently to different players. For example, if your team needs to maintain possession while killing off a penalty play, short passes in the neutral zone with low risks should suffice.

“The confidence I have now is when we’re on a power play, I can make those saucer passes or behind-the-back passes.” -Patrick Kane

If you are trying to penetrate through the defenses of the opponent — dumping pucks deep into the offensive zone and chasing it down will work best as long as you put them outside defensive zone hashmarks, so that your linemates can recover it effectively. Similarly, fast breakouts can benefit from longer stretch passes targeting forwards at neutral zones’ blue line.

Practice Passing Consistently

The key to improving your passing skills is consistent practice. Take time every day to practice different types of passes, along with other essential hockey techniques such as skating drills and shooting exercises. Practice makes perfect, and repetition helps develop muscle memory and instincts for quick decisions making during gameplay.

“You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take,” -Wayne Gretzky

You can also utilize practice modes within NHL 23 to help enhance your passing skills specifically. Take advantage of these custom-built modes, which allow you to recreate various postures viewed across most regular season games settings to improve at specific scenarios. Furthermore, playing in teams can significantly aid enhancing your understanding of how best to pass around tactically.

Smooth and precise passing is the key to scoring goals in NHL 23. Mastering both basic and advanced passes techniques, adapting with situational dynamics, and consistent practice can prove vital for developing instincts needed for game-winning decision-making when you may not have time to think too much on ice.

Improve Your Puck Possession Skills

Protect the Puck with Your Body

The first step in improving your puck possession skills is by learning how to protect the puck with your body. Hockey is a physical game, and you need to be able to shield the puck from defenders while maneuvering around the ice. To do this effectively, position your body between the defender and the puck, shielding it with your size and strength.

Your ability to protect the puck also depends on your stance. Keep your knees bent and your center of gravity low, making it harder for defenders to push you off balance. Practice controlling the puck while keeping these key points in mind, building up your confidence as you go.

The best way to improve your puck handling in hockey is to watch videos of professional players performing stickhandling drills and practicing their skating technique.” -Wayne Gretzky

Stickhandle with Confidence

Another vital aspect of puck possession is the ability to stickhandle with confidence. Stickhandling means being able to control the puck while moving at high speeds or switching directions abruptly. To do this, keep your eyes focused on the puck and use quick, short movements to handle it through tight spaces.

It’s important to practice stickhandling consistently and work on your technique until it becomes second nature. Use cones or other objects to create an obstacle course and challenge yourself to navigate it while keeping the puck under control. Incorporate more complex stickhandling drills into your routine that focus on speed, precision, and agility.

“Stickhandling reinforces your entire game and when done properly accelerates your development as a player” – Pavel Barber, NHL / Pro Stickhandler & skill coach.

Improve Your Agility and Balance

Good agility and balance allow you to pivot, turn, and change direction quickly while carrying the puck. This skill is essential in avoiding defenders and creating scoring opportunities on the ice. To improve your agility and balance, practice exercises that promote quick footwork and stability.

Cone drills, ladder work drills, and plyometric exercises like box jumps are all excellent ways to increase both your agility and balance. Keep these exercises varied and challenging to continually develop your skills over time.

“I have always felt that if I was skating well and working hard off the ice, then my games would be better.” -Sidney Crosby

Practice Puck Handling Consistently

The final key to improving your puck possession skills is consistent practice. Make sure you set aside time every day to work on your stickhandling, skating, and overall body positioning. The more time you spend practicing with the puck, the more confident and comfortable you’ll feel handling it during game situations.

To keep things engaging and effective, vary the types of drills you do and alter their difficulty levels as you progress. Incorporate small area games into your routine, engage in 1-on-1 battles or play with a friend to simulate game-like scenarios.

“To be successful at anything, including hockey, it’s important to establish good habits in everything you do.” -Chris Chelios

Study Your Opponent’s Weaknesses

Scoring in NHL 23 requires careful planning and execution. One of the most important things you can do to improve your chances is studying your opponent’s weaknesses. By doing this, you’ll be able to identify their vulnerabilities and take advantage of them during gameplay.

Observe Your Opponent’s Playing Style

The first step to identifying your opponent’s weaknesses is by observing their playing style. What kind of plays do they usually make? Do they favor one side over another? Are there any patterns to their offensive or defensive moves?

“If you’re not paying attention to what your opponent is doing, who knows what opportunities they may be taking.” -Max Pacioretty

By answering these questions, you’ll get a better understanding of how your opponent plays. This information will help you anticipate their movements and respond accordingly.

Identify Their Weaknesses and Vulnerabilities

Once you’ve observed your opponent’s playing style, it’s time to identify their weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Here are some common weaknesses you should look for:

• Defensive Gaps: Look for gaps in your opponent’s defense that allow you to pass the puck through.
• Lack of Aggressiveness: If your opponent hangs back instead of pressuring you, you might be able to exploit this by creating more space on the ice.
• Slow Skaters: Slow skaters make easy targets to outmaneuver or exploit open spaces.
• Poor Puck Control: Players with poor puck control often lose the puck easily, providing you an opportunity to regain possession.

“Scoring goals is hard enough, so you have to take advantage of any opportunity that presents itself.” -Paul Coffey

Another vulnerability to look for is your opponent’s fatigue level. If they’re starting to tire out, they may start making mistakes or missing plays. Take note of this and adjust your game plan accordingly.

Adjust Your Game Plan Accordingly

After identifying your opponent’s weaknesses and vulnerabilities, it’s time to adjust your game plan accordingly. Here are a few strategies you can use:

• Exploit Weaknesses: Use the information you’ve gathered to set up plays that will exploit your opponent’s weaknesses. For example, if you notice gaps in their defense, try passing around them for a better shot at goal.
• Pick Up the Pace: If your opponent is playing slow, consider increasing the pace. This might catch them off guard, allowing you more opportunities to score.
• Fake Them Out: Use fake-outs and dekes to create confusion and open up new opportunities on the ice.
• Mix It Up: If your opponent has figured out your usual gameplay style, mix things up by trying new tactics or creating new plays on the spot.

“If you’re going to make a play, most times you have to anticipate what’s going to happen next and be willing to adjust on the fly.” -Sidney Crosby

Remember, even with all this preparation, some games may still end in a loss. Don’t get discouraged; use every game as an opportunity to learn and improve your skills.

Scoring in NHL 23 requires not only individual skill but also careful observation and planning. By studying your opponent’s weaknesses and adjusting your gameplay accordingly, you’ll increase your chances of coming out on top.

Practice, Practice, Practice

If you want to improve your NHL 23 gameplay and score more goals, the key is practice. The more time you spend playing the game, the better you’ll become. Here are some tips for maximizing your practice sessions:

Set a Practice Schedule

If you don’t have a consistent schedule for practicing, it can be easy to let days or even weeks go by without playing. To avoid this, try to set a specific time each day or week that you’ll devote solely to practicing NHL 23.

You could start by dedicating just 15-30 minutes a day to practicing basic skills like stickhandling, passing, and shooting. As you get more comfortable with these skills, you can increase the amount of time you spend on them each session.

Focus on Specific Skills Each Session

Rather than trying to work on all aspects of your gameplay at once, focus on one or two specific areas during each practice session. This will allow you to really hone in on those skills and make significant improvements. For example, one day you could focus solely on improving your slapshot accuracy. Start by practicing on an open net, then gradually add obstacles like cones or defenders as you get better. Another day, you could focus on developing your defensive abilities by learning proper checking techniques and positioning.

It’s important to approach each session with a clear goal in mind so that you can stay motivated and focused throughout. Keep track of your progress by setting benchmarks and noting any improvements you see over time.

“Good things come to those who practice.”

Remember that becoming a skilled NHL 23 player takes time and dedication, but with a consistent practice schedule and focused effort, you can greatly improve your chances of scoring more goals and winning games. So roll up your sleeves and get to work – the rewards will be worth it!

Frequently Asked Questions