NHL 23: How To Defend

There is more than one way to win a game in NHL 23. You can be the most prolific goal scorer since Gretzky. Or you could be the best defender since Lidstrom.

The whole point of the game of hockey is to score more goals than you let in. Nobody said that had to be more than 1. You don’t get more points winning by 5 than you do by scraping out a win.

So with that said let’s talk about defending in NHL 23.

NOW READ: How to start a fight in NHL 23.

No products found.

NHL 23: How To Defend

Here’s the four key steps to defend like a pro in NHL 23:

1. Don’t run around. This is as true in NHL 23 as it is in the real world. It can be exciting to make a big hit or tempting to chase the puck around the rink. But be careful chasing those hits and the puck because being out of position is going to free up scoring chances.

2. Well-timed hits are great. They can take your opponent out of the play for a period of time while they recover and force your opponent into having a player out of position. But chasing after the big hits – while they might look great – will open you up to brutal counterattacks and giving up goals.

3. Don’t give away possession for free. It seems obvious when it’s said, but your opponent can’t score if they don’t have the puck. Play patiently and keep the puck away from your opponent. Don’t force passes and shots that aren’t there, especially if you’ll be left out of position if you give away possession.

4. Pay attention to defensive positioning. Keep your defender in passing lanes and between the puck and the net. This is something you will intuitively pick up as you play more and recognize plays happening more. Pay attention to body positioning and keep your players between the puck and the net and take away easy passing lanes.

If you’re looking to improve your defending, it doesn’t hurt to get a feel for how to do so by using some of the best rated defenders in the game.