Don't have 13, I'm poor lol.
Though many probably wouldn't agree with me, I don't think you are missing out on much.
Really?
I like 13 way more than 12.
It seems like I'm in the minority when it comes to disliking the game. I guess I feel that they made it too realistic. I don't really like the skating changes they added. I was never a fan of "speed burst" and it really annoys me how even the best of skaters have such a hard time changing direction. I would be able to tolerate those changes if a majority of the forwards weren't just so much faster than the defensemen. Even if I set my forecheck to as conservative as possible, most of my defenders just get blown by, despite being in good position.
I used to love playing defensive systems during online ranked matches, and in both NHL 11 and 12, I only averaged about one goal against per game. Now, it's virtually impossible to employ any type of formidable. Since then, I've adapted and began to use a puck control system and my record is decent (65-35), but not nearly as good as it used to be.
I also hate that they made cross-creases and one-timers impossible to score on. If someone's defensive game is bad enough to let you pass the puck through the crease, you should have a high-percentage chance of scoring on that shot.
/rant