Let the sport of hockey kick back into play! After having a mostly successful return last year, the NHL is about to come back in full swing with another six-month long session of crushing body checks and intense goal-scoring. With that, the video game hockey season is already upon us, with 2K Sports and EA Sports unsheathing their swords and preparing for combat. So, what kind of blow has EA struck with NHL 07, their very first next-generation hockey blowout? Well, how should I put this? It's kind of like being slashed on the arm. You can feel the blow but it's not as striking as it should be.

Coming off a rather successful PS2 entry of NHL 06, that's probably a little concerning to hardcore hockey fans. But I didn't really judge this game based upon previous experiences in the series, rather what it brings to the next-gen table this year. And while NHL 07 is very admirable in being a far better game than most of EA's rushed launch line-up from last year, there's a couple of nagging issues that keep it from hoisting the Stanley Cup this time around.

First let's talk about the game's big change-up in control. Instead of using the same old button interface as you have before, you now have your actions controlled via the Skill Stick. This gives you the use of the right analog stick for your actions on the ice, be it offense or defense. For instance, when you have possession of the puck, you can deke by pressing left and right on the right analog stick while controlling your player with the left. This can psyche out the goalie and prep for a dazzling goal through the legs (sometimes). Passing is now done with the right trigger, and you'll want to make sure your man is wide open, or you'll find your pass landing in the waiting hands of a defenseman. There are different shots to pull off, using particular motions with the stick. Pressing up will fire off a quick shot; pushing down and then up can get a slap shot heading towards the net. Turbo has been done away with, but the game keeps up enough of a momentum-powered pace that you don't really need it.

The offensive controls I found with the Skill Stick are innovative and very entertaining once you get into them. The defensive controls, however, need work. While you're on defense, you use the Skill Stick to pull off different checks on the opposing team, to try and regain control of the puck. However, not every check is a winner, as sometimes you pull a big check and sometimes you pull a poke check that just leaves the puck sitting in the middle of the ice. With practice, the defensive controls do come around in your favor, and you can get a better hang of things. However, no matter how experienced you get with the Skill Stick, the transition from offense to defense does not go smoothly. Case in point- say you're scrambling for a puck and trying to shove aside a few Carolina Hurricanes to get at it, using the Skill Stick. But once you get to it, your motions on the Stick accidentally fire off the puck, either to a waiting goalie or back out into the open, where you have to rely on a teammate to go after it. See what I mean?

It's still a great control scheme, like I said, but EA should have included more hands-on tutorials to give us the hang of it. You do start off the game in the middle of an Edmonton-Carolina shootout so you can try to get some shots off at a waiting goalie, but I'm talking about more offensive and defensive scenarios. You have to live and learn through game experience, and some rookie players may not have the patience to deal with that. Just a quick heads-up.

The presentation doesn't disappoint- most of the time. While some of the player models were a bit chunkier than others, the overall look of the game is very true to the sport. The lighting on the ice is rather impressive, as is the distinct look of each arena, modeled right after the real thing. The animation seems pretty smooth, although the game's running at around 30 frames per second instead of 60, like NHL 2K7 runs in its action. Maybe something to consider next year...?

As far as audio, ESPN National Hockey Night may have been done away with, but EA was able to coerce its hosts, Gary Thorne and Bill Clement, to come back and talk up a storm during the game. Most of the time, their commentary is pretty tight, showing emotion (you listening, Madden?) and keeping up with most plays. However, it can get a bit repetitive and off at times, especially during shootouts. The sound effects are yanked straight from the hockey experience, complete with the puck bouncing off of the goalie's pads and the sound of a player getting checked into next Tuesday. I just wish that EA would put some more thought into the EA Trax selections. Once again, it's a soundtrack filled with new indie bands and hardly any classic hockey music. More organ music next time, fellas.

Now let's talk about Player Roles, another feature included in the game. You are able to have members of your team assigned in certain roles that will help out over the course of the game, be it a sniper (a person who can shoot at the net with dead-on accuracy) or a defensive defenseman (a super defensed player), among other positions. However, the icons assigned to these players are sometimes hard to read in the middle of the action, aside from some red markers. Still, those who like player ranking, grab a plate and help yourself.

Then we come to the game's extra modes. Dynasty Mode once again makes a return, and while little has changed from previous editions, it's nice to see it get the next-gen treatment. Once again, you can work a player up in the ranks and help establish yourself as a refined hockey player; or maybe you want to take the owner's role, and help build a new hockey legacy while maintaining your arena and the health of your team. You have all of those options in your grasp. There's also a fun (albeit brief) Shootout mode where you can simply face off against a goalie and test your Skill Stick offensive skills, as well as a Tournament mode, where you can fight your way to Stanley Cup contendership.

It's when you take the game online that you'll probably find some disappointment. The game does support match-up games through Xbox Live, and taking on a friend does have its moments of fun. But the options are rather limited, especially when you consider what the competition has brought to the table. NHL 2K7 has an assortment of hockey-related goods to access with the service, while we only get so little ranked and unranked match-ups here. Leagues? Nada. Dynasty match-ups? Nope. EA needs to expand on this area for next year's edition, I feel- it's almost like trying to eat at a Hungry-Man meal while someone else is enjoying a nice, juicy steak.

NHL 07 versus NHL 2K7 is like the Islanders versus the Avalanche. You've still got a contender to cheer on with lots of potential, but the game just comes up short in comparison to the competition. The Skill Stick control, mostly smooth presentation, and stellar Dynasty mode still make this a game worthy of slap-happy NHL fans, but its hitches and lack of a strong online community will have most of you skating over to the competition's pond. Next year, EA, go all out. Use the ESPN license more effectively (bring back National Hockey Night!), include online leagues and rankings, and polish up the transition, and you'll have a snarling Stanley Cup champion in no time.