Well, if your deciding whether to get 2k9 or nhl09 get 09! This is broke and the only plus is the fighting scheme.
First off its buggy the graphics to the older versions are far better, faces are poorly done, look at danny brieres face in the game, he looks like Kwazi Moto from the hunchback of notre dame. The gameplay isnt very effective and goalies are just plain retarded giving up slapshots from the blue line at least once a game. You get to drive a zamboni!!!!!.....................why? desperate for a gimmick? theres not much depth to the franchise. You cant poke check much because you will get a tripping call at least %80 of the time. The commentary is fine though, and the unique loading video projected on the ice is cool looking, even the flyers video says Vengeance on it.
somewhere along the line 2k wanted to make these games arcade style, but it comes up way short of the bar EA set with NHL09
I bought my 2k9 for $40 because the walmart i was at didnt have 09 but if you have the choice pay the extra $20 and have some real fun.
fact is i had the game for 2 days and i hate it