How to successfully block a shot or pass in NHL 15:

Declining a scoring chance is something that can absolutely electrify an arena and ultimately revamp a team. This is true in the real world of hockey and also EA Sports' Nhl 15. Although the sliding animation a player can perform in the game is rather easy to activate, (hold R1 and L1 on Playstation or RB and LB on Xbox) it all comes down to timing. For example I could be controlling Shea Weber, arguably the best defensive-defenseman in the nhl, and still miss an airborne pass to another player leading to a high percentage scoring opportunity even when I performed the sliding animation. Instead of just randomly diving around the ice in hopes of intercepting a pass or blocking a clapper from the blue line, the player with the controller must take a few things into account. If the silky Patrick Kane is bursting down the wing with speed you will certainly not want to lay down on the ice because of the fact that he will sauce it right over you; no matter how close to his stick you are. Just make sure to stay on your feet and guard his stick with your stick at all costs or else he will make your player look foolish. Another alternative would be to just press L1 on Playstation or LB on Xbox. This does not make your player drop all the way down to the ice, but instead it has your player lay his stick on the ice while placing one knee down in order to block a saucer pass. This is also a very risky move as the opposing player could easily make a lateral move in order to cruise past your player and bust straight to the net, but if you know that your opponent is going to dish a pass across the ice, this is certainly an incredible tactic to use. When it comes to blocking shots it is often wise to force your opponent into an uncomfortable shooting position as this will lessen the risk of the puck ending up in the back of your net. NEVER try to block a shot in the slot because there is an extremely high chance that the puck will deflect off of one of your own players and ricochet into the net. Try to limit the amount of times you attempt to block a shot by only hurdling a player in front of shots from the blue line. Charging a defenseman at the point will force the opposing player into an incredibly awkward situation resulting in the player throwing a weak shot on goal often resulting in an odd man rush down the other end or a breakaway. Make sure to not fling your player in an attempt to make contact with the opposing player because this will force a tripping penalty in most cases. I like to position my player directly in front of my opposition's stick as it is very rare to take a penalty this way. Also, instead of dropping all the way down to the ice I use only the left bumper in order to drop to one knee. Not only does this help to block airborne shots, but it also is a lot faster getting up from one knee then from the stomach. If you use these methods I assure you that you will be capable of keeping more biscuits out of your basket. Enjoy!