'NHL 09' beats 'NHL 2K9' in a slick shootout

— -- Time again for the annual faceoff: Electronic Arts vs. 2K Sports. Both companies usher in the start of the professional hockey season with the releases of NHL 09 and NHL 2K9 respectively. Which one has the edge? Here's a closer look:

'NHL 09'

Competition thwarted, and it didn't require an exclusive licensing deal. Instead, Electronic Arts dominates the ice through innovation and a stellar level of control.

Much like they did with the Madden NFL franchise, EA takes career modes a step further with Be a Pro. When you first boot up, you create a player and receive a quick lesson on analog stick-handling.

Be a Pro uses experience points and leveling up to transform your rookie minor leaguer into an NHL MVP. Take my rookie center, for example. As a Playmaker, he rates high in passing stats but lower on shot power. I can take those points and shore up my slapshot weaknesses or further bolster my passing.

During games, your coach grades you on positioning, team play, and stats. The higher your overall grade, the more experience points you net. You'll also receive a short-list of goals you must achieve to reach new experience levels.

Each moment on the ice is viewed from a tighter third-person perspective. When your player steps off ice after a shift, he'll sit and rest up while watching your teammates. Think fights are fun? Not when you have to sit for five minutes peering through the glass of the penalty box.

Most intriguing is the ability to take your player online and develop him in online leagues via the EA Sports Hockey League. You'll play solely with human-controller teammates on clubs of up to 50 players.

On the ice, controlling players feels very natural. The shot stick is precise, allowing you deftly to maneuver the puck left and right as you deke defensemen. Tenacious computer opponents sweeten the reward of scoring goals. On offense, they're equally smart. Miss a body check, and your opposition faces the goalie unopposed. Keeping players in front of you becomes crucial.