While there’s some controversy surrounding the series’ jump to the Xbox One and Playstation 4, it’s difficult to quibble with NHL 15 featuring Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron as its cover star (even if that honor came down to fan voting).
In a way, it almost seems to fit into this summer of “advanced stats,” as Bergeron is typically the type of player who doesn’t get his due in video games, as they tend to glorify the high-scorers over everyone else. As the games have deviated from “arcade” styles, nuances show up in the gameplay, and few players do everything as well as the Bruins’ two-way forward.
That doesn’t mean that the 29-year-old has any issues with that bygone era of games. In fact, it sounds like he was once a big fan of the classic versions of EA’s series.
Patrice Bergeron still remembers the old NHL94 days. Took the Quebec Nordiques. Claims he once had an 80-goal season playing as Joe Sakic.
— Tal Pinchevsky (@TalPinch) September 9, 2014
NHL 15 raised some eyebrows with some rather amusing and unexpected ads featuring Bergeron and his teammate Brad Marchand, prompting quite the one-liner from the B’s pivot:
Bergeron on Brad Marchand's singing in NHL15 commercial: "He's definitely got a great voice. That's what he thought anyway."
— Adam Kimelman (@NHLAdamK) September 9, 2014
For reference, here’s Marchand signing:
(Click here for Bergeron’s bit.)
The cover voting came down to Bergeron and Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban, who probably still had the more enjoyable summer considering that lucrative contract extension and the Habs’ triumph in a seven-game series against Boston in the 2014 postseason. Bergeron referenced that today:
Bergeron on beating PK for NHL15 cover: "Losing in 7 to Montreal and then losing against another Montreal Canadien would have been tough."
— Adam Kimelman (@NHLAdamK) September 9, 2014
NHL 15 released in North America today. Reviews have been ... mixed so far.
Patrice Bergeron vs. his fan Daniel...time to face off in #NHL15 right now for bragging rights. Who wins? pic.twitter.com/3u8yaelfCO
— NHL (@NHL) September 9, 2014