Fun modes, but has some annoying flaws
Pros:
Variety of game modes - With most sports games, I would find myself playing a single mode for a while. The variety of modes are different, and in many ways make the game feel like different games. The addition of minor and international teams is nice as well.
Less reliance on one-timers - It is thankfully more difficult to set up one-timers close to the goal. Defenders more likely than not will disrupt the pass.
Realistic feel - This is the first hockey game that seems to play like real hockey to me. Some may like an arcade feel, so you may want to speed up play or alter some settings. However, I like that the skaters move at realistic speeds, it's tough to defend, and most of the movements are real.
Nice graphics - The graphics are very good. I guess this should be expected nowadays, but animations are smooth, and the ice is realistic. I think it's time to have real arenas, but I can't complain much.
Cons:
Passing can be annoying - I think some exaggerate how bad the controls are. However, there are many times in a game where you feel like you're pressing everything in just the right way and a pass will go in a direction that is baffling. The computer opponents almost always have pinpoint passing accuracy, so I doubt it's a feature to reflect passing ability.
Goaltending issues - As a player, it feels as if your goaltender lets in inexplicably soft goals. To me, it feels as if the likelihood of giving up soft goals increases when shorthanded. I don't mean great shots, like one-timers or screen shots. I mean clear shots from the blue line or top of the circle. The computer opponent's goalie lets in some soft goals, however I have seen an EXTREMELY annoying frequency of spin around saves per game. The type where the announcer says something like, "He was somehow able to spin around and knock the puck away." I had a game where the opposing goalie had SIX helicopter like saves. That type of play rarely happens in real life, and I estimate that the opponent has about two per game.
Meaningless in-game replays - I actually find this flaw more annoying than passing or goaltending issues. The in-game replays almost always show a play that was long forgotten. The goaltender will make a spectacular save, then it'll cut to a replay of a goal from 5 minutes ago. Puck goes out of play, then it's time to show a hit from 3 minutes ago. A save by the home goalie, then the replay shows the home team miss a shot wide from 2 minutes ago. It would make sense if the announcers commented on these replays and justify why they are being shown, but they don't...unless they are explaining a penalty. Overall, the only replays that make sense are for penalties.