Hobbies And Interests
Checking
According to IGN, checking "NHL 2K7's" Artificial Intelligence-controlled players is easy on the game's default difficulty level. Push the left analog stick in your target's direction to move toward him and press the "B" button when you've reached him to slam him against the boards. That player will usually give up the puck. To poke check, push the left analog stick toward your target and press "X." Your stick blade should extend out to shake the puck off his stick.
Defense
The pressure control defense system introduced in this game makes it possible to shadow the star of another team. Target a star player and click the left bumper. One of your A.I defenders will stick with that player regardless of what defense you're in. Press the left bumper twice to make that defender dish out physical punishment to the star. Press it three times if you need him to get really rough (but that will risk a penalty). When you're defending in your own zone, concentrate on cutting off passing lanes instead of hard body checks. Good passes by the AI side will lead to one-timers, which go in far easier in "NHL 2K7" than they do in any real NHL game.
Offense
When you bring the puck into your zone, hold down the right analog stick to view your teammates with the controller's A, B, X and Y buttons above them. Press the button corresponding to the recipient and the pass will go to that player automatically. Cycle the puck between attackers quickly enough and you will be able to draw the AI's goalie out of position. Change your default shot setting from automatic to manual. Manual shooting is harder to control, but you can target any portion of the net with it. It is particularly useful when the opposing goaltender has left one side of the net wide open.
Play Calling
Different play options are available, so you can respond to unexpected scoring chances or fend off your opponent's attackers. When opponents are out of position in their defensive zone, or relentlessly attacking in yours, press the left and right triggers along with the D-Pad arrow to see your options. On power plays, press the left trigger to dump the puck out of your zone.