As an ice hockey simulation, the game attempts to emulate the rules and play of the sport as closely as possible.[2] Goals, for example, may be scored from all areas of the ice through a variety of different methods, mirroring play of an ice hockey game in real life.[3] The default control scheme uses the left analog stick to control player movement, while the right stick is used to simulate the movement of the player's hockey stick, performing actions such as dekeing and shooting.[4][5] Players may choose to use simpler input methods instead, such as the control scheme used in NHL '94, in which pass and shoot are the only buttons.[4]
A physics-based game engine replaced the old animation-based system. Touted as "the biggest change in NHL 11" by producer Sean Ramjagsingh, it took a full year to develop and implement.[6] The new engine allows for more natural plays and puck bounces, and simulates real interactions more accurately and realistically.[3][5][7] Each bodycheck and collision is unique, such as glancing blows that spin a player, hip checks that completely upend opponents, or any other possible reactions.[6] Player and puck movement now take momentum into account, and hits can be made high or low, with vastly different results.[8][9]