The Physics engine actually makes this game alot better than 09 and, 10.
The gameplay is improved by the new Physics engine in which the hits and checks look amazing and new everytime. The passing on the other hand is bad in my opinion. I have played alot of games and still find it hard to complete passes due to the poor accuracy and power you put into the pass. You can put pass assist on if you want which makes it fell like 09, or 10's passing. Also the CPU will intercept anything within stick range which can happen in reality but not all the time like this game. Setting up shots and one-timers is basically non existant because of the CPU's ability to pick off passes with ease. It also seems that they always come up with the puck when there is a scrum or a bunch of players in one area. I play on All Star mode and it may be different on lowwer levels. Be a Pro is pretty standard now excepth that you can play in the CHL and OHL before the NHL Draft. Also AI Goalies are harder to score on.
Be a GM is basically the same as well although they have added new elements that GMs would have to deal with like unrestricted free agents and etc.
All in all this review is short because the game has not really changed a whole lot since last year. Not to say thats bad, the new physics engine really improves this game.
Go Flyers!