Wow. Plain and Simple, This Game is Fun.
The gameplay in this game has changed from NHL 10. From the first time you step up onto the ice you'll notice the difference. The game has a different flow, which feels more realisitc. The new physics engine is a great new improvement. Hitting is a Blast! crush players against the boards with devasting power, or have huge open ice hipchecks (yes you can hipcheck now). There is also the improved deking system which allows even more variety with the skill stick and not only are you able to pull off great moves, but the A.I. is able to pull off equally great moves. There are many other minor improvements such as broken sticks and the hustle button which all combine to make this a much improved game from previous version.
Then there is the new mode Hockey Ultimate Team. It is very fun mode, in which you build a team up, starting with some low rated players and purchasing packs (you can do so by earning pucks or microtransactions) to be able to build up your team with better players. The depth is very large having to give player contracts, train them up, stay under the cap and much more. You'll have to be online to play this mode, although you can play against the CPU in a various number of tournaments. You can also go online which features no lag and is definitely fun to do.
The remaining game modes such as EASHL, and Be A GM, have also received a couple improvements although none are huge that they change the mode completely. Practice mode in EASHL is finally here and very useful for those who have their own EASHL team. Be A GM's largest improvement is the new RFA'/UFA changes. The game now follows all the rules of RFA's and is a good improvement, as during past NHL installments it would be far to easy to load your team up with young free agents. This time though the RFA changes that as you'll have to compensate other teams if you are going to attempt to sign these young players.
All in All, NHL 11 has added a surprisingly substantial amount of improvements over their 10 month development cycle. It is an exciting game, and yes there will be a lot of WOW moments for you.