The game brings all the features from the previous year's game, ESPN NHL 2K5, along with others. However, Hockey Night in Canada lead broadcast team of Bob Cole and Harry Neale replaces ESPN/ABC lead broadcast team of Gary Thorne and Bill Clement to provide commentary It features a new "crease control" system, which allows the player to control the player's team's goalie and make critical saves. It is the first to implement the new NHL shootout system as the default, and the first ice hockey simulation released for the Xbox 360.