good stuff. i was thinking of making a post like this, but never did . I'll sticky the post (.. wow there are a lot of stickies in this subforum).
a few comments...
I have verified in the code that the Hot/Cold ratings are completely random and are not related to whether the player is actually hot or not. So, the real reason to watch the ron barr screen is to find out who your opponents' players are.
Player 1 can then change his lines again, since he is the home team and has 'last change,' in case he wants to match a D to a winger or something.
Especially if you are winning, wait a second so your opponent can change his lines.
But, if you need to change your lines, it's best to do it right after the whistle, before the intermission screen, so it doesn't matter if your opponent hits Start right away.
No way, this is prime post-whistle checking time! Extra points for putting a guy over the boards into the penalty box. Extra EXTRA points if you check the penalized player into the box, then he has to get up, get OUT of the box, and then get back INTO the box to serve his penalty.
Half the time I end up wondering, "why would he take control of the goalie in this situation? scoooores! oh. probably goalie lock. whoops ." In-person, we usually dump the puck so the guy gets rid of goalie lock, then dump it back so the guy gets another chance at a rush. Online, it'd be nice to flip it out for a whistle, but it's a pretty preventable issue, so be careful with your goalie passes!
My take on the crease cut is to only take it if it presents itself naturally, like you suddenly find yourself with the puck, all alone beside the goalie. What I dislike is when guys go out of their way to manufacture the creasecut/walkacross every single rush, skating into the corner, then looping to the net. It's so boring.
I'm not sure there's anything wrong with flipping the puck... you can go get it with a player to get an icing call, or you can get it with the goalie and have another possession/rush.
If I'm up late in a close game, I won't rush full speed, I'll be more cautious, but my rule is that I must always be moving forward, no hiding behind my net (ultimate cheapness) or looping back into my zone, etc. Pretend there is a shot clock.