To say this is the best hockey game to date, definitely IS NOT an understatement. It's the most fun and challenging yet.
Pros: Wow. I don't even know where to start. First of all, NHL 08 is the best graphical hockey game ever seen up to this date. If you are complaining about NHL 08's graphics, chances are you are stuck with a current-gen console, and are not easily satisfied. Every detail of these graphics leave nothing out, and for casual and hardcore gamers alike, they are fantastic. To continue on the topic of visuals, the new creation system they have is superb. Everything (to do with equipment) is completely customizeable. Creating teams is almost as fun as playing the games itself because of the neat color coordinations, and jersey types, and sock types, and glove types (you get my point), one can put together. There isn't much choice in logos, but what they have will do. Goalie equipment customization is also amazing, you can customize almost every piece of equipment he has except for really his helmet (which there are only presets for). But yes, that means even his pads. Enough with the visuals, gameplay is awesome as well. The most challenging hockey game to date. I actually finally got to feel the thrill of a 'playoff race' as I just barely made it into 7th in the conference with Chicago. My playoffs were challenging as well, but as I got more use to the game I naturally got better at it. I ended up winning the Stanley Cup in the most glorious video game fashion I ever have (I play on the hardest difficulty in case you were wondering) . Dynasty mode is great, and in-depth, the addition of the AHL is greatly welcomed and an extremely nice feature to have, rosters are up to date (and a roster update is out for your updating needs) and for once, it finally feels like EA got it right. And by right, I mean hit the nail dead on the head. Congrats EA on the best hockey game ever made thus far.
Cons: What possible flaws can there be? Well...There always are some. I'm definately not complaining about the game in any way, but some things that are quite noticeable are some glitches within the game. Nothing to effect 'the game', but 'the product' instead. Apparently, some gamers have experienced freezing glitches, often, and that is never good. EA is really lazy when it comes to caring for its customer, so really you just have to hope you get a good version of the game. I have the occasional freeze, but mine is treating me just fine so far, just make sure you save after every game. I've heard of some roster glitches too, but haven't encountered any. Other than that, even though after you get use to the gameplay, and the game becomes somewhat easier (even on the hardest of difficulties), you still know that at any time, you could lose a game. And although you may not lose tons, it can still happen at any time, making it a welcome challenge. Also if you're finding it too easy, fiddle with the settings, although it can be annoying, it is sure to make the gameplay as challenging for each individual gamer as they want it.
To end off, i'll just quote myself from above: "and for once, it finally feels like EA got it right. And by right, I mean hit the nail dead on the head. Congrats EA on the best hockey game ever made thus far."