If this is the first game that you ever play for the Dreamcast, you will be in complete awe at how smooth the game runs. If, however, you have played NBA 2K and/or NFL 2K, it's not impressive (heard this before). Don't get me wrong, it runs super smooth, but the other games out there run super-super smooth.
Basically, it's hockey; actually, that is it - it's hockey. You can play in Exhibition, Season, or Championship mode. Choose your teams from the real NHL teams featuring the real NHL players. I understand that each player has a signature move, but there is no practice mode to figure them out.
But I know what you really watch and play hockey for (apparently, so does SEGA), so let's get down to it. The fights are awesome. When a fight erupts, each guy has a 'power' or 'life' meter at the top. It almost goes like a fighting game. That is an addition that anyone can appreciate.