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While constantly taking shots without much rhyme or reason might still get you a few points, some NHL 25 shooting tips could make a massive difference. The return of the Sustained Pressure system is a big piece of the puzzle, but there are plenty of other strategies to keep in mind. From keeping the puck in critical moments to knowing when to take a unique shot, we've got all the NHL 25 tips you need to keep the scoreboard tilted in your favor.
NHL 25 Tips to Score More Goals
The biggest shift in NHL 25 gameplay came with the arrival of the Sustained Pressure system last year that functions as a way to put significant stress on a defending goalie over a period of time. Spending time in the offesnive zone, passing the puck around between your players, and even failed shot attempts will amp things up and make it harder for a goalie to keep their form perfect.
Once you've done enough to fill up the Sustained Pressure meter, that will trigger a 30-second burst of Full Pressure that is often the best possible opportunity for a perfect shot. If you combo this with a Power Play, that will only increase the odds of you getting that puck into the net.
Slap shots and wrist shots from distance have become a bit more effective with this system, but you also want to get used to how the goalie transitions as you maneuver. If you sakte behind the net and pop out on the other side, the goalie is usually going to hug the post to fully protect that side from you slipping the puck in as you push back out in front of the net.
There are two good options in this case. The first is to watch the goalie closely as you move back in front of the net. The very second you see the goalie exit a hug post position, you have a tiny window to hit a corner shot in the opening they've just created that will be difficult for the goalie to move back in time to save.
You can also hit a quick pass while they're hugging the post and may be able to nail a one-timer or quick wrist shot to score while the goalie is readjusting based on that pass. If you feel you never have the puck enough to use this, check out our guide to winning faceoffs in NHL 25 to boost your time of possession. Below, we've got a few more quick tips to keep in mind while looking to score in NHL 25.
Backhand > Forehand
While it's not exactly a guaranteed goal, backhand shots have become notably more effective since last year's changes. Forehand shots can still be useful, but most backhand shots are a bit faster and have created more goals for many players.
Rebound City
Not every shot has to be a goal, and that's not just because failed shots build Sustained Pressure. When a puck bounces off a goalie, it can often create the perfect opening for a player hovering near the net. If you spot a player in position, try to aim the shot at their pads so it will bounce away rather than being caught or covered and have your player near the net make an immediate snap shot to slip the rebound into the net.
Skill Based One-Timers
While the trusty one-timer shot has always been a great weapon, NHL 25 has cranked things up even more by implementing Skill Based One-Timers that are more impact by the timing of your shot as the puck arrives. If you can get used to taking the shot exactly when the puck reaches a player, it should unleash an even more powerful and accurate Skill Based One-Timer.
Toe Drag Shot & Between The Legs Shot
Plenty of complex moves are a bit more accessible thanks to the Total Control scheme, and the most important to master might be the Toe Drag Shot and Between The Legs Shot. Dedicate some time to practicing these and any other favorites in Free Skate so you can feel out how they aim based on your player's position and better decide when it's time to utilize them.
Never Stop Shooting
You miss 100% of the shots you don't take, and 100% of the shots you take might become a goal. Every consecutive shot, regardless of whether it scores, is going to wear down the opposing goalie. They'll create Sustained Pressure in the short term, but having significantly higher shots on goal late in a game can leave even the a prolific NHL 25 goalie struggling to make the save.