Hockey is a sport that inherently translates well into the realm of video games. The sport s breakneck pace and aggressive nature make for a level of excitement that when done right is hard to beat when it comes to sports games. EA has been doing hockey right for years and one thing you have always been able to count on is buying the latest version of NHL with confidence. It seems EA has delivered again as NHL 2001 is one hockey game that s hard to stop playing. NHL 2001 gives you just about every gameplay option any hockey-head could dream up. Along with the full roster of teams from last year the expansion Minnesota Wild and Columbus Bluejackets make their first bids for video game stardom. You have the option of playing head-to-head exhibition games a full season the Stanley Cup Playoffs a shoot-out or a fully customizable tournament in four different difficulty settings. You may also create a player sign him and then develop him into a cup-hoisting powerhouse. Taking a cue from its Madden franchise EA has included a challenge mode where achieving certain criteria - such as four goals in a game or shutting out the opposing team - awards you with points to use to beef up your created player.