Like controlling the paint in basketball, controlling the slot (the area directly in front of the goal) is paramount, regardless of whether you are attacking or defending. This single factor will determine the outcome of most hockey games and it's no different in NHL 09 or NHL 2K9. Controlling this area will give the attacking team a chance at a deflected shots, impair the goalie's vision of oncoming shots, and provide rebounding opportunities.
A common mistake by many novice players playing defense is to aggressively attack the puck handler with multiple defenders while leaving other attackers to set up in the slot. In reality, these attackers pose the greatest threat and it is generally more effective to play the passing lanes and keep the goal area clear, even if it means allowing a perimeter puck handler to take an uncontested shot.
Although this applies equally in both NHL 09 and NHL 2K9, we will use NHL 09 to illustrate the following example. (both close-ups and overhead views are provided)
 |  |
| Here we see the attacking team spread out with the puck at the point (the area near the blue line). One attacker is positioned behind the goal and the slot is currently clear. | |
 |  |
| As the attacker behind the net makes his move toward the front of the crease, the puck handler at the point fires a shot toward the goal. | |
 |  |
| The defender assigned to keep the slot clear misses his assignment and the attacker is able to get his stick on the shot to alter the puck's trajectory. | |
 |  |
| Although the goalie is fortunate enough to get a pad to block the shot, the attacker in the slot is is prime position to regain possession of the carom. As the defenders close in to check the attacker, his teammate (#67) is cuts toward the goal uncovered. | |
 |  |
| A pass to the cutter is made and the player rifles a one-timer toward the goal. Not only is the goalie out of position to defend the shot, his vision is also obstructed by his own teammate. | |
 |  |
The goalie doesn't even have a chance to raise his glove as the puck sails above his shoulder and into the goal. | |
This example does a good job of illustrating each of the three dangers in leaving attackers free to roam the front of the goal: deflected shots, impaired goalie vision, and rebound chances. It is imperative as a defender to keep this area clear of all attackers while trusting that the goalie will make the save in the event of a shot from the perimeter. Likewise, the attacking will want to constantly send players into this area and fire off shots hoping to capitalize on the position.
