Does it matter if you are on vacation for the season or not? I have noticed that some of my players to very well the first 10-15 games I play for, then I will simulate the rest of the season and then come back to players only producing a bit more. For example my defencemen might be at a point per game if not more for the first 15 games and then slide down to 45 in 80.

Just wondering Thanks.

I often have a "Flying Start" to the season, where many of my players score more in the beginning than in the end.

I doubt it has anything to do with your vacation.

It could be an issue if you are setting your own lines/tactics etc..

The computer can sometimes pick weird combinations. So in your example you might pick that D on your first power play unit. So of course he will get a lot of points. But the computer might not play him on the power play and he might only play as the 5 or 6 D.

If you think this might be the problem, try this. Play as you normally would the first 15 games and then check each players time on ice stats. And then go on vacation the next 15 and check the stats again. You'll quickly find out if one of your players is not getting the ice time you think he deserves.

The computer will not reset your lines for you if you have "Use Lines Assigned(Or something of that nature)" checked and wont even change lines because of injury and the likes.