On the cover is then-Toronto Maple Leafs player Curtis Joseph.

[3][4] Tom Russo of NextGen said that the latter console version was "Not terrible hockey, but it's a farm-league, rookie effort to the polished package and graphical splendor of EA's NHL 2001.

It shows a lot more polish and precision than previous versions, and will give you hours of hard checking NHL and international team competition.

"[21][c] In another GamePro review, Air Hendrix said, "When the puck drops in the PlayStation rink, EA Sports' NHL 2001 takes the draw with its superior gameplay and control.

"[22][d] However, he later said of the PlayStation 2 version, "When the final whistle blows, there's just no reason to step onto this ice.