If you’re looking to take to the offensive quickly in NHL 23, you’ll want to know how you’ll be able to get your stick on the puck first at the start of the match. Winning faceoffs can help you in many different aspects, especially if you’re on the opposing side of the rink. However, they can be quite difficult to win if you’re not sure when to start swinging.
Let’s get into the details and find out the best ways to win a faceoff, and what kinds of tricks you can pull to ensure that you’re always emerging victorious. Follow along with these rules to make sure that you’re the king of the ring when you’re winning faceoffs in NHL 23!
How To Time Faceoffs In NHL 23
No matter how you’re playing the game, there are going to be times when you could find yourself outdrawn at the faceoff, so making sure that you’re properly prepared before going in for battle can help you ensure that you’re minimizing the number of times that you get served. Here are some of the best ways to make sure you’re always winning the faceoff in NHL 23.
Time The Puck Drop Right
While this may sound simple enough, making sure that you’re always on top of your timing is one of the key things that you’ll be able to do to ensure a victory in the center circle. If you’re attacking too quickly, you’re going to miss out on a chance to start on the offensive. If you swing too late, then there is an obvious sign that you’re not going to be starting with the puck in your hands.
Timing is crucial to many different aspects of the sport, so making sure that you’re paying attention when the referee drops the puck is crucial. Finding that sweet spot and embedding it into your memory will allow you to snag the puck and head on the attack right away.
Don’t Be Afraid To Try On Ice Trainer Mode
If you’re new to the franchise or need a bit of a refresher, the On-Ice Trainer Mode is a great option to have clicked. While you may initially be shocked at all of the information that it displays, it also gives you a great chance to practice your puck drops on the ice.
You’ll get a notification as to when you should start tipping in toward the puck, so you’ll have a better chance of winning a Face-Off with ease. Not only that, but you’ll also have a great opportunity to start learning the finer points of the game, and find the best lines that you should be following no matter where you go.
Try A Different Control Method
If you’re finding that you’re struggling to try to get your head wrapped around your current control choice, you have plenty of options to choose from in the settings menu to try something different. For players that haven’t played in quite some time, you’ll even be able to use the classic NHL 94 Control Method, which will place all of your main control options on three easy face buttons.
While utilizing the Skill Stick is going to give you the most control over your player and the trajectory of your puck when you send it flying toward the goal, you’ll also want to make sure that you’re not overworking yourself as you learn to play. Giving the Hybrid Control method a spin may increase your chances of bringing home a win quickly and easily.
Utilize The Training Mode
If you’re still finding it hard to get a grip on how you should be winning faceoffs, NHL 23 offers an in-depth Training Mode that will teach you just about everything you need to know to take you from nothing to an all-time great. No matter if you’re struggling to get used to the general control scheme that the game offers, or if you just want to improve yourself and your game, you’ll find every option needed here.
With the constant evolution of the franchise, you’ll need to make sure that you’re up to date on all of the newest features added to them. Visiting the Training Section can help you wrap your head around everything that has changed, as well as all of the new additions with ease. Plus, being able to learn how to become the best player in the league is an instant plus.
Tie Your Opponent Up For A Chance To Steal
If you’re finding that you’re having bad luck winning Face-Offs, giving the Tie Up option a spin can’t hurt. Rather than using the right stick or the pass button to try and time your perfect chance to snag the faceoff, you’ll be able to rush toward them and give your teammates a chance to snag the puck from the center.
If you’re looking to give this a try, you’ll just want to tip the Left Stick Up during the puck drop, and your center will ram toward the opposing team, giving you a chance to sneak in and snag the puck away from your foes. This could work as a great sneak tactic, but there is also a chance that it may not work out how you want it to.
Now that you’re ready to get on the ice and start winning games, make sure that you’re checking into our NHL 23 Guide Section, where you’ll be able to find out how to play as your favorite mascot, how to start a fight on the ice, and what you’ll need to do to celebrate a big goal in the game!
NHL 23 is available now on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.
