How can you even begin to downplay the success and popularity of EA's NHL series?

Downplaying success and popularity? Where have I mentioned sales? As for popularity, at least as far as internet users goes, NHL 2003 has taken a big step backwards.

Since only 30,000 people bought 2k2 on DC, very few knew just how great Sega's hockey had become, easily surpassing EA in quality. Even magazine editors on competing systems (see above) weren't even aware of NHL 2k2/2k3.

I tried to spread the word here that a far better option on the sim side would soon be available. And Hitz 20-03 outflanked EA on the other side with a higher quality arcade take on the sport, but, based on Hitz 2002, that didn't need any help getting publicized.

EA's NHL series is one on the decline. Others have redefined what should be expected from a video hockey game. Whether EA executives realize that will determine whether NHL follows Triple Play straight into obscurity or undergoes a revitalization effort a la Live 2003. Handing over the NHL developer duty to now-EA property Black Box is something every hockey fan should be hoping for.

I've been playing nhl 2003 on my friends xbox for the past week and a half and I don't like it. I'd rather play 2002. the frame rates drop every time something like stats or skill points pop on screen. the manual deke isn't anything too great, its more of a nuisance. these new dekes look great, but really screw you up on a breakaway. you'll skate past the net as your player is passing the puck between his legs.
the thing I hate the most about this game, the black button doesn't dump the puck anymore. I used to love swinging the puck behind the goals, or dumping it into play. now you gotta hit the a button in a direction no one is facing and its such a weak pass.

I'm looking forward to nhl 2k3, too bad its not playable online for my ps2.