The 2001 edition of 989's well established hockey series features all of the team and roster updates that fans have come to expect from a first-rate line of annual sports titles. Expansion teams from Columbus and Minnesota are available, as are eight international clubs. This version of the game also offers new modes of play, including a practice mode and a shootout mode. The game keeps track of more lines and the line change AI has been improved. Players also have more control over their shots in NHL FaceOff 2001.