Here are the game modes available to play at launch along with some of the new features and improvements to watch out for in NHL 16: 

Play Now

Hit the ice in an offline match on your own or locally with friends. Choose home and away teams, select jerseys, and get ready to dominate on the ice. Before you begin, take the time to adjust your lines, strategies, and game settings. When it comes to strategy, you have control over everything from your defensive coverage to how your forward line will act.

• Featuring: Precision skating. 
  • Choose Play Now to jump right in and experience greater control over your skater’s on-ice maneuvering than ever before.
• Also featuring: Seamless Puck Pickups. 
  • Whether you want to pass, intercept, or reign in the puck when it’s loose, the new Puck Pickups increase your efficiency while managing the puck.

Online Versus

Challenge other NHL 16 players to games online. Play a Ranked Quick Match, compete against a Friend, or use the Custom Matchmaking feature to search for an opponent. 

• Featuring: Online Couch Co-op. 
  • Play co-op with up to three friends as you face off against an online opponent in Online Versus. Add users to your side of the match to play with them locally against your online challenger.

Online Team Play (OTP)

Play online in six-on-six matches using real NHL rosters to populate the hockey arenas. Search for other available sessions via Quick Match, or create your own session and invite friends to join you. 

• Featuring: Story-driven commentary. 
  • NHL 16 has expanded the NBC SPORTS broadcast package to include more story-driven commentary than ever before. 

Playoff mode

Start a playoff and see which real-world team can make it to the top. 

First, choose your playoff settings, including the number of participating teams, the length of the series (such as Best of 7), and the difficulty. Then, choose teams to fill out the tournament bracket. When the tournament begins, you can choose to play games, let the CPU take over, or simulate games.

• Featuring: Playoff Beards. 
  • The game takes into account the various looks, lengths, bushiness, and growth rates for real NHL athletes to create authentic players in the postseason.

NHL Moments Live

Take control of a team with NHL Moments Live and change the outcome of some of their most heartbreaking losses, or relive some of their best moments of the NHL season. 

• Featuring: Regular updates. 
  • Check back for new moments as the real world hockey season progresses.

Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT)

Create and manage your dream team then take it onto the virtual ice in HUT Online Seasons and Playoffs. If you prefer solo play, play HUT Single Player Seasons—a great place to brush up on your skills and make sure you’re ready to compete online or against your friends. Challenge yours friends to an online match through Play a Friend. 

• Featuring: Team Arena Atmosphere. 
  • Soak in the atmosphere each time you step onto the ice, whether it’s antics from team mascots, special cheers, or celebrations unique to the home team.

EA SPORTS™ Hockey League

Join an online team, compete as a club, and see if you can dominate in Online Seasons. 

Create a character to get started and then join a club, create a new one, or drop into a Ranked Quick Match. Choose from a list of specialized player classes to hone your skills, playing against other clubs and working your way up the division ladder in Online Seasons. Learn more on the NHL website.

• Featuring: Superstar Authenticity. 
  • Make your player look like a superstar with all-new customization options, including new equipment from the NHL’s top players.

Be a Pro

Truly experience NHL 16 as your own custom player, both on and off the ice. Prove your worth in games, improve based on Coach Feedback, and get drafted to start your career. Make decisions that will shape your player’s career, and orchestrate every action to ensure your legacy will be an impressive one.

• Featuring: Shape your Legacy. 
  • Your actions on the ice determine the growth of your attributes, so the skills you use the most will improve the most.

Be a GM

Take on the role of a general manager (GM) to run your favorite NHL franchise. Grab a seat and watch the live season play out in front of you while making key management decisions. This includes everything from scouting new players to making sure your team can bring in the wins on the ice.

• Featuring: Player Morale. 
  • Make sure your players are happy so they perform at their best. 

Practice mode

Step onto the ice during your downtime to get in some practice. Play against the goalie to hone basic moves such as maneuvering on the ice and shooting.

• Featuring: Visual On-Ice Training.
  • Easily identify effective actions while you’re on the ice with button prompts for basic moves. You’ll also be able to see passing lanes, open teammates, and more.