The NHL is officially back in session, and what would hockey season be without the debut of EA’s latest NHL hockey game? In recent years EA has lost a lot of ground to Sega’s ESPN 2K series, but this year they seem serious about reclaiming their crown. A PC demo for EA’s game is now available online and features a playable match-up between Tampa Bay and Toronto (Why Toronto? Calgary was the other Stanley Cup finalist). I have to admit that I am mildly impressed with the controls in NHL 06, they do seem to be making an effort to bring the game back to its heyday of the ‘93/’94 era. The game feels more fluid and realistic than any EA games have felt in a long time. Other than that, however, the only new feature I have noticed is the water bottle on top of the nets which seems to get knocked off with every other goal. EA and Sega go head to head on September 6th when both games hit stores. Click below to get a feel for NHL 06.