NHL 21: Official Game Guide
Welcome to the official guide for NHL 21, detailing controls, game modes, and new features for the PlayStation 4.
Getting Started
Before use, carefully read the instructions supplied with the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system. The documentation contains information on setting up and using your system as well as important safety information.
To turn on the system, touch the Power button. The power indicator blinks blue, then turns white. Insert the NHL 21 disc with the label facing up into the disc slot. The game appears in the content area of the home screen. Select the software title and press the ● button. Refer to this manual for information on using the software.
Quitting a game: Press and hold the Options button, then select [Close Application].
Returning to the home screen: Press the PlayStation button. To resume playing, select the game from the content area.
Removing a disc: Touch the eject button after quitting the game.
Trophies: Earn, compare, and share trophies for in-game accomplishments. Trophy access requires a Sony Entertainment Network account.
Getting Onto The Ice
Experience the energy of real-world NHL hockey in NHL® 21. Upon launching the game, choose from four gameplay styles:
- I am new to sports gaming: Learn with Rookie difficulty, simplified Hybrid controls, Control Hints, and On-Ice visualizations.
- I have not played recently: Defaults to Skill Stick controls and Semi-Pro difficulty.
- I am experienced: Use Skill Stick controls on Pro difficulty.
- I am an expert: Experience All-Star difficulty for a realistic hockey challenge.
Note: Gameplay settings can be adjusted anytime from the main menu under SETTINGS.
After choosing your style, select from Training Camp, Launch Trailer, Stanley Cup Game, Free Skate, or Main Menu. The Main Menu will prompt you to pick your favorite team.
Complete Controls
Hybrid Controls
A simple control scheme using basic button presses. The right stick functions the same as in the Skill Stick scheme, making it ideal for beginners.
Offense
| Action | Controls |
|---|---|
| Skating/Shot & Pass Aim | Left Stick |
| Pass | ● button |
| Slap shot | ✖ button |
| Wrist shot | ▲ button |
| Cancel shot | ■ button (hold) |
| Backhand toe drag | R3 button + Right Stick Up |
| Backhand toe drag flip | R3 button + Right Stick Up + R1 button |
| Between the legs shot | L1 button + R3 button + Left Stick Left |
| Between the legs pass | L1 button + R3 button + ● button |
| One-handed tuck | L1 button + R1 button |
| Saucer pass | R1 button (hold for more strength) |
| Between the legs saucer pass | L1 button + R3 button + R1 button |
| One-touch dekes | L1 button |
| LH one-handed deke-backhand | L1 button + Left Stick Left |
| RH one-handed deke-backhand | L1 button + Left Stick Right |
| Vision control | L2 button |
| Quick plays | D-pad |
| Line change | R2 button (hold) + ●/✖ buttons |
Offense (Continued)
| Action | Controls |
|---|---|
| Stationary Toe Drag Forehand | Left Stick + Right Stick |
| Stationary Toe Drag Backhand | Left Stick + Right Stick |
| Stationary Tap Deke Forehand | L2 button + Left Stick to Forehand |
| Stationary Tap Deke Backhand | L2 button + Left Stick to Backhand |
| Stationary Windmill Deke (large) | (from stop) Right Stick Right (hold) + L1 button (hold), Right Stick |
| Stationary Windmill Deke (small) | (from stop) L1 button (hold) + Right Stick Right |
| Board bank self-pass | (near boards) L1 button (hold) + R2 button |
| Flip Deke | (away from boards) L1 button (hold) + R2 button OR Right Stick Right |
| Behind the net self-pass | L1 button + R2 button |
| Lacrosse Deke | (approach back of net along boards) L1 button (hold) + R2 button |
| Slip Deke | (along boards) L1 button |
| Kucherov | (while moving) L1 button (hold) + Left Stick (flick backhand) + Right Stick (flick forehand) |
Defense
| Action | Controls |
|---|---|
| Switch player | ● button/R2 button |
| Manually switch player | R2 button (hold) + Right Stick (flick) |
| Cancel switch player | R2 button (hold) + L1 button |
| Switch player last man back | R2 button (hold) + R3 button |
| Poke check | R1 button |
| Body check | ✖ button |
Fighting
| Action | Controls |
|---|---|
| Dive/Block | L1 button + R1 button |
| Stick lift | ✖ button |
| Initiate/Accept fight | ▲ button (double tap) |
| Boardplay (when near boards) | ▲ button (hold) |
| Block pass | L1 button (hold) |
| Quick plays | D-pad |
| Line change | R2 button (hold) + ●/✖ buttons |
| Grab | L2 button (hold) |
| Fake grab | L2 button |
| Overhand punch | Right Stick Up |
| Uppercut | Right Stick Down |
| Push | Left Stick Up |
| Pull | Left Stick Down |
| Block/Lean back | R2 button (hold) |
| Dodge | R2 button |
Net Battles (Back Player)
| Action | Controls |
|---|---|
| Engage in Net Battle | ● button (hold) |
| Switch sides | ● button (hold) + Left Stick |
| Stick lift while in Net Battle | ✖ button |
| Tie up player's stick | ✖ button (hold) |
| Shove | Right Stick (flick) |
| Push opponent | Left Stick (hold) |
Net Battles (Front Player)
| Action | Controls |
|---|---|
| Engage in Net Battle | L2 button + Left Stick (into player) |
| Shrug off | ✖ button |
| Push opponent | Left Stick |
| Spin | L2 button |
Goalie
| Action | Controls |
|---|---|
| Pull/Replace goalie | L2 button + Touchpad button |
| Manual goalie toggle | L1 button + ● button |
| Move goalie | Left Stick |
| Precision modifier | L2 button |
| Free skate | ✖ button |
| Pass puck | R2 button/✖ button |
| Poke check | Right Stick Up |
| Change camera view | Touchpad button |
| Cover puck | ▲ button (hold) |
| Butterfly | R2 button (hold) |
| Hug post | L1 button + Left Stick Left/Right |
| Hug post (VH) | L1 button + Left Stick Left/Right + R3 button |
| Dump puck | Right Stick Up |
| Leave puck for teammate | L2 button |
| Diving poke check | ✖ button + Left Stick Up |
| Stack pads | ✖ button + Left Stick Left/Right |
| Spread V | Right Stick (away from puck) |
| Butterfly slides | Right Stick Left/Right |
| Diving save | ✖ button + Left Stick Left/Right |
| Paddle down | R2 button (hold) + ● button (hold) |
Skill Stick Controls
This control scheme allows precision control for aiming, passing, shooting, saves, and more advanced moves. Players who know hockey and want a more true-to-life NHL challenge will excel with this setup.
Offense
| Action | Controls |
|---|---|
| Skating/Shot & Pass Aim | Left Stick |
| Hustle | L3 button |
| Glide | Left Stick (release) |
| Pass | R2 button (hold for more strength) |
| Wind Up / Shoot | Right Stick Up/Down |
| Between the legs shot | L1 button + R3 button + Right Stick Up |
| Between the legs pass | L1 button + R3 button + R2 button |
| Between the legs saucer pass | L1 button + R3 button + R1 button |
| Cancel pass while holding | L1 button |
| Saucer pass | R1 button (hold for more strength) |
| Spin | L2 button |
| Fake shot | Right Stick (release) |
| Deke | Right Stick Left/Right |
| One-handed tuck | Right Stick Up (hold) + L1 button + R1 button |
| One-touch dekes | Left Stick + L1 button |
| LH one-handed deke-backhand | L1 button + Left Stick Left |
| RH one-handed deke-backhand | L1 button + Left Stick Right |
| Leg kick | R3 button |
| Backhand toe drag | R3 button + Right Stick Up |
| Backhand toe drag flip | R3 button + Right Stick Up + R1 button |
| Boardplay | ● button (hold) |
Offense (Continued)
| Action | Controls |
|---|---|
| Dump puck | R1 button + Right Stick Up |
| Protect puck | ✖ button |
| Chop puck | R3 button + Right Stick |
| Quick plays | D-pad |
| Line change | ●/✖ buttons |
| Strategies | ●/✖ buttons + D-pad |
| Vision control | L2 button (hold) |
| Win faceoff | Right Stick |
| Stationary Toe Drag Forehand | Left Stick + Right Stick Left/Right/Up/Down |
| Stationary Toe Drag Backhand | Left Stick + Right Stick Left/Right/Up/Down |
| Stationary Tap Deke Forehand | L2 button + Left Stick to Forehand |
| Stationary Tap Deke Backhand | L2 button + Left Stick to Backhand |
| Stationary Windmill Deke (large) | (from stop) Right Stick Right (hold) + L1 button (hold), Right Stick |
| Stationary Windmill Deke (small) | (from stop) L1 button (hold) + Right Stick Right |
| Board bank self-pass | (near boards) L1 button (hold) + R2 button |
| Flip Deke | (away from boards) L1 button (hold) + R2 button OR Right Stick Right |
| Behind the net self-pass | L1 button + R2 button |
| Lacrosse Deke | (approach back of net along boards) L1 button (hold) + R2 button |
| Slip Deke | (along boards) L1 button |
| Kucherov | (while moving) L1 button (hold) + Left Stick (flick backhand) + Right Stick (flick forehand) |
Defense
| Action | Controls |
|---|---|
| Skate | Left Stick |
| Dive/Block | L1 button + R1 button |
| Stick lift | ✖ button |
| Body check | Right Stick |
| Poke check | R1 button |
| Hip check | R3 button + L1 button |
| Sweep stick | R1 button (hold) + Right Stick |
| Chop puck | R3 button + Right Stick |
| Quick plays | D-pad |
| Line change | ●/✖ buttons |
| Block pass | L1 button |
| Tie up player's stick | ✖ button (hold) |
| Pass block + sweep stick | L1 button + Right Stick Left/Right |
| Initiate/Accept fight (post whistle or during gameplay) | ▲ button (double tap) |
| Boardplay | ▲ button (hold) |
| Manual switch player | R2 button (hold) + Right Stick (flick) |
| Cancel switch player | R2 button (hold) + L1 button |
| Switch player last man back | R2 button (hold) + R3 button |
| Strategies | D-pad buttons |
| Vision control | L2 button (hold) |
NHL 94 Controls
A throwback control scheme to the original NHL 94, featuring straightforward button inputs for basic controls.
Offense
| Action | Controls |
|---|---|
| Shoot | ▲ button |
| Pass | ✖ button |
| Move player | Left Stick |
| Hustle | ● button |
| Initiate/Accept fight | ▲ button (double tap) |
| Spin | L2 button |
| Backhand toe drag | L1 button + ● button |
| Backhand toe drag flip | L1 button + ● button + R1 button |
| Between the legs shot | L1 button + ▲ button |
| Between the legs pass | L1 button + ✖ button |
| Between the legs deke | L1 button + ■ button |
| One-handed tuck | L1 button + R1 button |
Defense
| Action | Controls |
|---|---|
| Checking | ▲ button |
| Change player | ✖ button |
| Move player | Left Stick |
| Hustle | ● button |
| Initiate/Accept fight | ▲ button (double tap) |
Note: Fighting controls are the same as other control schemes. See the Hybrid controls section for details.
Goalie
| Action | Controls |
|---|---|
| Move goalie | Left Stick |
| Precision modifier | L2 button |
| Free skate | ✖ button |
| Pass puck | R2 button/✖ button |
| Poke check | Right Stick Up |
| Change camera view | Touchpad button |
| Cover puck | ▲ button (hold) |
| Butterfly | R2 button (hold) |
| Hug post | L1 button + Left Stick Left/Right |
| Hug post (VH) | L1 button + Left Stick Left/Right + R3 button |
| Dump puck | Right Stick Up |
| Leave puck for teammate | L2 button |
| Diving poke check | ✖ button + Left Stick Up |
| Stack pads | ✖ button + Left Stick Left/Right |
| Spread V | Right Stick (away from puck) |
| Butterfly slides | Right Stick Left/Right |
| Diving save | ✖ button + Left Stick Left/Right |
| Paddle down | R2 button (hold) + ● button (hold) |
Goalie Alternate Controls
| Action | Controls |
|---|---|
| Pull/Replace goalie | L2 button + Touchpad button |
| Manual goalie toggle | L1 button + ● button |
| Move goalie | Left Stick |
| Precision modifier | L1 button |
| Free skate | ✖ button |
| Pass puck | R2 button/✖ button |
| Poke check | Right Stick Up |
| Change camera view | Touchpad button |
| Cover puck | ▲ button (hold) |
| Butterfly | L2 button (hold) |
| Hug post | R2 button + Left Stick Left/Right |
| Hug post (VH) | R2 button + Left Stick Left/Right + L2 button |
| Dump puck | Right Stick Up |
| Leave puck for teammate | L2 button |
| Diving poke check | ✖ button + Left Stick Up |
| Stack pads | ✖ button + Left Stick Left/Right |
| Spread V | Right Stick (away from puck) |
| Butterfly slides | Right Stick Left/Right |
| Diving save | ✖ button + Left Stick Left/Right |
| Paddle down | L2 button (hold) + ● button (hold) |
New to NHL 21
What's New in Be A Pro
Experience NHL 21 as your custom player. New season and post-game stories, including Pre-Draft Interviews, test your skills. Choose from 15 player classes, each with unique goals. Navigate the Skill Tree to enhance ratings and use Specialties for situational boosts. Prove your worth, improve with Coach Feedback, and get drafted to start your career.
What's New in Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT)
Earn points for completing objectives to increase your points multiplier. HUT Rush offers a short HUT experience combining skills and style moves for combos and points. Unlock bonus HUT items and discover new events like 3v3, arcade-inspired THREES, mascots, and more. The Synergy System is simplified, with recognizable icons and displays showing how synergies impact player attributes.
What's New in World of CHEL (WOC)
WOC Seasons: Compete in seasons to increase your personal, skill-based Player Rank. Club Finals begin in the last few weeks of the season for competitive club tournaments. Player Rank reflects skills across modes like EASHL Clubs and Ones and Threes Eliminator. EASHL Club Finals evolve EASHL Club Playoffs, supporting 3v3 and 6v6 matches. WoC Improvements include an overhauled Club HUB for consolidated modes, customization, and stats, plus easier member recruitment and server selection for private games.
What's New in Franchise
Experience the spectacle of the Trade Deadline with real-time updates. Feel the pressure as teams make trades. Manage your team, scout prospects, handle budgets, and make crucial decisions regarding player personnel, operations, and arena upgrades.
What's New in Gameplay
Reworked goalie right stick mechanics offer strategic reactions to pucks with improved gap control. New NHL superstar-inspired dekes allow for creative net finishes. Customize your skating style for personal flair.
NHL Player Community Health
Help create a safe and welcoming environment by reporting offensive content. Use the in-game reporting function for unacceptable World of CHEL Club, Skater, or HUT Team names.
Playing a Game
Game Screen
The game screen displays scores, period, and time left in the period.
Pause Menu
Press the Options button to freeze the action and open the Pause menu. View current game stats like goals, shots, and passing percentage. Options include:
- Resume Game: Continue your current game.
- Instant Replay: View replays, fast-forward, rewind, zoom, and change camera angles.
- Settings: Customize gameplay, audio, visuals, controls, and more. Toggle Goalie Mode.
- Quit: Leave the game or select REMATCH to restart. Current game progress is not saved.
- Game Stats: View Box Score for detailed scoring and penalty info, and Action tracker for replays. Filter by team/player using the L3 button.
- Manage Teams: Edit lines and set strategies.
- Coach Feedback: Review Offense, Defense, Team Play, and Overall Performance ratings for improvement suggestions.
Game Modes
Find all NHL 21 game modes in the main menu, whether you want a quick game, to challenge friends, or start a hockey career.
Saving Your Game
Game information is automatically saved to your PlayStation®4 system. Careers in Be A Pro and Franchise modes save automatically at checkpoints and upon exiting.
Play Now
Play an offline match solo or locally with friends. Choose teams, jerseys, and dominate the ice. Adjust lines, strategies, and game settings before starting. Control defensive coverage and forward line actions.
Player Skills and Strategy
Strategies are tailored for player types. "Crash the Net" is effective for strong players. Check lineups and choose strategies that utilize player skill sets.
Online Versus
Challenge other NHL 21 players online in Competitive or Casual matches. Play with or against friends, or cooperatively against the CPU.
Be A Pro Career
Experience NHL 21 as your custom player. New season and post-game stories, including Pre-Draft Interviews, test your skills. Choose from 15 player classes, each with unique goals. Navigate the Skill Tree to enhance ratings and use Specialties for situational boosts. Prove your worth, improve with Coach Feedback, and get drafted to start your career.
Franchise Mode
Lead your team to Stanley Cup® glory through management and business sense. Manage budgets for scouting, rival teams, player personnel, ticket prices, operations, arena upgrades, and relocation. Hire coaching staff, use the scouting system, and manage trades before the Trade Deadline. Improve team morale through interviews and conversations. Balance stadium budget, food, and cleanliness.
Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT)
Create and manage your dream team for HUT Rivals and HUT Champions. Play Squad Battles, HUT Challenges, or compete against the Team of the Week. Earn Coins to acquire players and packs. Utilize HUT Synergy for stat boosts. Challenge friends via Play with Friends.
HUT Rush (New)
HUT Rush events feature 3v3, 5v5, or Threes games. Earn points for scoring goals or playing with style to increase your tier and earn rewards. Variations include Game Type, Gameplay Style, Gameplay Rules, Game Length, Lineup Settings, Lineup Size, Event Objectives, and Arena Settings.
Synergies
Players who work well together create synergies that boost abilities. Pair players with the same synergy for best results. Check the Player Information Screen to see synergy impacts.
Squad Battles
Compete against other players' teams or time-limited featured teams. Higher leaderboard ranks and difficulty yield better rewards.
Ones Now
A fast, back-to-basics mode pitting three players against each other in small, outdoor locations. It's a no-rules gauntlet requiring offensive and defensive skills.
Online and Offline Shootout Modes
Goalie and shooter trade off defending and taking penalty shots in a five-round series.
Playoff Mode
Simulate a playoff tournament. Choose settings like number of teams, series length, and difficulty. Select teams to fill the bracket. Play directly, let the CPU take over, or simulate games.
NHL Threes
Compete across North America in Western and Eastern Conference circuits to unlock players, arenas, logos, and jerseys. Play online or local multiplayer with friends.
Season Mode
Play one of 11 leagues for a full season. Dominate standings and lead your team to championship glory.
Practice Mode
Improve your game with team practice, free skate against a goalie, or play as a goalie. Use tutorials in Training Camp for basics.
World of CHEL
Houses progression-based modes: Ones and Threes Eliminators, Pro-Am, and EA SPORTS™ Hockey League (EASHL). Earn XP and gear usable across modes.
EA SPORTS™ Hockey League
Join drop-in games for a quick experience. Select your position, and matchmaking finds the best game. Develop chemistry with teammates to join or create a club. Unlock club-specific items. Customize characters as you progress. Hone skills, play against clubs, and climb division ladders. Unlock and equip Traits for player enhancements. Play 3v3 or 6v6 Drop-Ins for EASHL experience.
Note: Friends can participate in club games without joining the club.
Practice (New)
Practice before games in Dressing Room for 3v3 or 6v6 Scrimmages or Open Practice. Scrimmage against a CPU team with adjustable difficulty. Open Practice focuses on shooting and passing.
Free Skate, from the Edit Loadout screen, lets you test player classes and traits.
World of CHEL Seasons
Seasons last several weeks, allowing players and clubs to climb ranks for rewards. Each season has three phases: Season Starts, EASHL Club Finals Begin, and Blackout Phase. Earn rank for WoC modes after Placement Games. Clubs compete in Regular Season to qualify for Cups. Club Finals is a tournament takeover. The Blackout Phase verifies standings and distributes rewards.
Player Rank
Ranked Seasons (Ones Eliminator, Threes Eliminator, EASHL Drop-In, EASHL Clubs) have leaderboards. Earn rewards for each rank reached.
Club Finals
Compete in 3v3 or 6v6 tournaments. Earn rewards like Club Banners.
Pro-Am
Practice and improve skills. Pro-Am campaigns feature 3v3 matches against CPU teams, with custom players competing against theme-based teams of past and present NHL stars.
Threes Eliminator
Compete in fast, arcade-inspired, elimination-style tournaments in 3v3 matches. Eight teams enter, one champion.
Ones Eliminator
Test your Ones skills. Pit against 27 users, whittling down to three finalists.
NHL Player Community Health
NHL 21 is a game for everyone. Help create a safe and welcoming world by reporting offensive content. Use the in-game reporting function for unacceptable World of CHEL Club, Skater, or HUT Team names.
How to Report Offensive Content
Find offensive Club or Player names on leaderboards or recent games. Follow these steps:
- Highlight name
- Select and answer questions in “Report Content”
- Submit
Thank you for your help!
Need Help?
The EA Worldwide Customer Experience team is available anytime, anywhere.
- Online Support & Contact Info: For FAQs, help articles, and contact, visit help.ea.com.
- Twitter & Facebook Support: For tips, reach out on Twitter to @EAHelp or post on facebook.com/EAHelpHub/.
