Solid, Not Great
I was wrong. Before I go into any details, allow me this - NHL '07 is still a decent hockey game and, perhaps, worth purchasing. I would recommend anyone else that's leaning towards buying this game to rent it first.
Pros: Graphics, Sound, Commentary, Dynasty Mode, Xbox Live, Skill Stick™
Cons: Collision Detection, AI (Defense & Goaltending), New Controls
I may be a gaming relic, but there is no possible way that these new controls should make it into any new NHL installments. It's unplayable and, quite frankly, not fun. In case you're unaware, the new NHL '07 default controls utilize none of the standard buttons. It's all toggles, triggers and shoulder buttons - which makes for a truly sloppy gaming experience. Thankfully, EA still offers a "Classic" control mode that most of us are used to which will still allow you to take advantage of the Skill Stick™ feature.
Default controls aside, the collision detection isn't great and you really never feel the satisfaction of checking someone. This heavily impacts the game in a negative way. I want to skate up and crush someone into the boards and watch them crumble to the ice. I want to feel the impact of a well-time hip check. None of this happens. They might as well have taken checking out of the game.
Defensive AI is absolutely terrible as is the goaltending (goalies scoring on themselves is a regular occurence and every game I've played on Xbox Live has been won or lost on weak, "lucky" goals). You can almost always count on getting scored on by a lame goal at some point in the game. Fickle goaltending.
Other than that, the game is solid. My first Xbox Live game was glorious, winning in a shootout with a legitimate goal (topside far post, against the grain). I have to play with "Classic" controller settings, but it's still enjoyable.
In the end, this game is solid, but not great. If EA can get pick up the pieces with the lackluster UI / AI this game could potentially revolutionize the genre in two or three years.