NHL 11 doesn't have the sales power of Madden or FIFA but I'd imagine that Canadians would be pissed off if all they had was NHL2K11 and NHL Slapshot. The EA NHL series is pretty much the only sim hockey franchise left. It would be interesting to know just how much Canada contributes to Americas sales for the NHL series. Canada is about 9 times smaller than the US. I bet if it wasn't for Canada, those sales would be pretty miserly. The sport is kind of popular in the Northern US states but that's about it. The EA NHL series also has a really hardcore following online. NHL 10 was in the Xbox Live top 20 for a long time and fans of the franchise are really into the online leagues and what not. NHL 09 had a strong following as well and I expect the same for NHL 11.
I might get NHL 11 (and buy FIFA 11 as well. currently only renting) to play with a buddy of mine. Otherwise, I've no interest in it. I played NHL 10 last year and honestly I find games like these don't really have appeal unless you play online with buddies or you are really into competitive play.
