2K skating out NHL 2K6

LOS ANGELES--After this year's lockout of the National Hockey League season, no one is sure if the sport will return next year. But 2K Sports won't let a little thing like the league's uncertainty stop it from making another one of its prized hockey games. NHL 2K6 will be coming to the Xbox and PlayStation 2 this fall.

Gamers will be able to take to the rink with all-around improvements to the game, including puck handling, slicker presentation, and a deeper online mode.

A new on-the-fly coaching feature gives players control of their team on both sides of the ice without interrupting the in-game action. Franchise owners will also have to schedule team workouts, maintain squad chemistry, and keep skills up with scrimmages.

NHL 2K6 has some big skates to fill. The last two editions of the game, ESPN NHL 2K5 and ESPN NHL Hockey, were among the highest-rated sports games the year they were released.