A
DV
A
N
C
E
D C
O
NTR
O
LS
C
H
E
C
K
IN
G
JD’s Tip
Checking
You’ll check on both ends of the ice, but good checking is
especially critical on defense. There are a few different ways to
check in
NHL Rivals 2004
.
Body Check
To execute a body check, press
B
when you’re near
another player, and then push
L
in the direction of the player
you want to check. To increase the power of a body check, use a
speed burst before making contact.
Pinning
To execute a pin, use
L
to wedge another player
against the boards. To break free from a pin, move
L
left and
right quickly, or set the puck free by moving
R
left and right
quickly.
Stick Check
To stick check, skate up to the player with the puck,
and press
X
. This will pry the puck from another
player’s control.
Hook
To hook, press and hold
X
to slow your
opponent down with your stick. This can be very
effective at separating an opposing player from
the biscuit.
Dive/Block Shot
To block an incoming shot, press
Y
. Your player will dive in the way of the
puck (ouch!).
If one of your teammates is pinning an
opposing player to the boards, you can lend
a hand by skating in and using a stick check.
Your teammate will keep the opposing player in
place while you relieve him of the puck. Teamwork
in action.
Advanced Controls
We’ve covered enough of the game-control basics to get you on
the ice in
NHL Rivals 2004
, but two control features deserve in-
depth explanations: Pivot Control and Right Thumbstick Control.
Pivot Control
Pivot Control allows you, with the pull of
l
, to rotate your player
180 degrees. The player will continue to travel in the same
direction he was moving, but he’ll be facing the opposite direction.
It’s a simple tool, but knowing when and how to use it
separates the All-Stars from the junior leaguers.
Right Thumbstick Control
The
R
gives you advanced control over two important
functions—passing (with the puck) and switching players (without
the puck).
Passing
Move
R
in the direction you want to send the puck.
This can be used for quick, no-look passing, clearing the
puck, or dumping it into the offensive zone. You also can
click and hold
R
and then move it in a direction to send a
saucer pass (see pg. 8).
Player Switching
When you do not have possession of
the puck, you can use
R
to switch control to a specific
player. Simply move
R
in the direction of the player on
your team whom you want to control.
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© Doug P
ensing
er/Ge
tty Imag
es/NHLI
