The poke check (and stick lifts in NHL 09) will be a staple in both offline and online play. The reason these moves are so effective is that they challenge the puck handler without compromising position. This, however, only applies if the defender is able to keep himself in between the puck handler and the goalie. The defender won't always have this luxury and an over-reliance on the poke check will allow aggressive puck handlers to fly by defenders.
As examples below will illustrate, solid puck handling (through use of the skill stick) and understanding of the weak spots of the defense will allow you to beat the poke check. While this strategy is particularly effective in NHL 09 (used to show the examples below), the same principles apply to NHL 2K9 as well; it just isn't quite as effective as checking is easier in 2K's game.
(both close-ups and overhead views are provided)
Example 1:
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| Here, the puck handler has just received a pass from the wing and is already in prime shooting position. As a result, the defender in front of of the goal must come forward to challenge the puck handler. Notice that the defender does not have help on the left side. | |
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| The puck handler glides to his left while holding the puck to his left (done with the right analog stick). Because the defender's momentum is carrying him forward, it will be difficult for him to stay in front of the puck handler during this move. Also, by protecting the puck in this way, the oncoming defender is also unable to poke check. | |
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| The defender tries to body check but his momentum has already let the puck handler glide by for an open look at the net. | |
By identifying that the defender was out of position and that there was no help defenders to the left, the puck handler was able to generate a great scoring opportunity alone in front of the net rather than settling for a partially obscured shot from 15 feet. Let's take a look at another example...
Example 2:
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| Here, the puck handler is in a one-on-one situation against the defender in open ice with help defenders directly behind him. The defender in front is slowly skating backwards and is in good position (under the circumstances). As in the previous example, the puck handler glides to his left while holding the puck away from the defender. As a result, the defender's poke check is not successful. | |
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| In desperation, the defender tries to body check the puckhandler but it is simply too late. The puck handler is able to direct a shot to the far corner of the net passed the goalie. | |
While the poke check is a great way to challenge puck handlers in the open ice, it requires that the defender be in good position to do so. Even then, quality puck handling and awareness of help defenders can result in quality looks for the attacking player. With the defender's momentum carrying him backwards (makes body checks ineffective), this is one situation in which the defender may want to hook/hold the puck handler-- even if it results in a penalty.
