NHL 17

NHL 17 not only picks up where NHL 16 left off; everything is significantly improved. After NHL 15, a disaster in the franchise; EA Sports has "drained the swamp". If you play NHL 15 and 17 back to back, one might question if they were even made by the same company. An important lesson is to be learned from this: listen to your fan base and the reviews, because for EA it has paid off huge.
NHL 17's mechanics contrast the most to NHL 15; and when it comes to a hockey video game, that is what matters most. NHL 17 runs smoothly and is easy to play, but at the same time it is realistic. Immediate stops on ice is difficult in the game just like in real life. The skates do not move side to side, you have to loop around to turn around. EA Sports has also made it easier and cleaner to pass and shoot. In this game, you have more control over your stick and puck than in any other game before.
All the game modes are spectacular, but the standout one is Franchise Mode. Franchise Mode is a common game mode for any sport series sure, but the franchise mode in NHL 17 is very detailed and addicting. From setting the prices of a hot-dog sold at concessions, or moving your team to another city, you control everything. NHL 17 does a great job of player stats increase and decrease depending on performance throughout the year. It is also not too difficult for new rookie players (who do not actually exist) to become future stars on your team. Of course that is very important because players start to retire around 35 years old. (So do not sign Jagr in your first season!) The other teams in franchise mode are also very good at taking care of themselves and constantly helps their own teams. This makes it even more fun as a gamer to have to work hard to make good trades and deals against these AI controlled teams.
Overall, it will only take you a few minutes into playing this game to realize that NHL 17 is in fact the best hockey game yet. If you question yourself on buying it because of the terrible NHL 15, I understand but you should give the gaming franchise another chance.