Lately I can NOT get enough of NHL 08, I have started a new dynasty with my favorite hockey team of all time, the Detroit Redwings. NHL 08 is one of the first hockey games that is a blast to play, but is also realistic enough to be categorized as a "sim". This game almost mimics how hockey is played perfectly. There are a few quirks that are easily looked over.
I really hope that NHL 09 takes a lot of what makes NHL 08 what it is, but just improves it, because they have made a very solid hockey game.