How to Play Strat-O-Matic Hockey (computer game)

With Strat-O-Matic’s detailed player ratings, each man’s strengths – and weaknesses – are on display. And it’s up to you to coach them accordingly. Like the real NHL, in most games, superior talent will prevail. But lesser teams can win with more effort. And your attention to detail can give you key advantages at crucial moments. Your inattention can let an inferior team score the goal that turns the game around.

Let the computer set your lines or do it yourself. Do you have best defenders to clear rebounds against the line that is most likely to score on them? Do you have a “quarterback” at the point on this power play? Is your top face-off man on the ice for that third-period draw in your own end?

Then just click to start the action. Your players follow your game plan, but you can change strategy at any time. When gaining the blue line, will your men fire away for volume shots on goal? Or will they risk turnovers while passing for higher-percentage scoring chances? Should your top goal scorer rip a slap shot at first chance, or try to blow by a weak defenseman for a dangerous shot from the slot? Does your bone-crunching defenseman risk a penalty to prevent a scoring chance, or does he leave it to your goalie to come up big so that your team can avoid being short-handed? Win or lose, YOU influence the outcome.