From time to time different issues come up in regards to sportsmanship, or etiquette in playing NHL95 online vs. other players, below is the standard road call in an attempt to minimize conflicts.
PREGAME
Contacting Other Coaches: Don't ask him how many games you have. Since you're asking to play, you are probably more ready to play than them, so look it up yourself, setup your emulator and hosting (if possible).
Initial Set-Up: Hosting player typically takes responsibility for adjusting the settings (time, penalties, players, etc.) Player 2 should hesitate just a moment before doing so to give Player 1 a chance to make changes.
Matchups - Hot/Cold: Some players like to scroll through the hot/cold list and make lineup decisions based on that information, so be patient and don’t press start right away.
Setting Lines: Hosting coach usually sets his lines first, followed by 2nd player. If you prefer the default lineup, scroll to Start Game (but don’t hit start) to signal your opponent that you are ready.
GAMEPLAY
Pausing: Life happens, and if you do have to pause, try to do so when you are in control of the puck, in a “neutral” position, or during a break in the action. Explain to your opponent the situation. Pausing when your opponent is in control of the puck or during action is EXTREMELY RUDE.
Replays: In general, they should be extremely limited. If there was a great goal or amazing save can be nice to see again.
Calling Timeout: Some players believe calling a timeout can change the flow of the game. Doing so is normal, but should only done after a goal is scored.
IMing during games: Please use your cellphone with DISCORD to communicate if there is any issues.
Line Changes (in-game): At the end of a period, wait a moment before hitting start in case your opponent wants to change his lines (due to injury) or to make adjustments.
Checking/Celebrating After Whistle: Some coaches like to check players as much as possible after a whistle. This is perfectly acceptable, and can be a fun side-game if both coaches like checking.
Running up the score: In league play, running up the score is normal. Considering league records, and potential standings implications, a player has the right to score as many goals possible. While the person on the receiving end may not like it, they should just say “gg” and move on.
Pulling the Goalie: Don't pull your goalie unnecessarily – Pulling the goalie in the 3rd period when you’re down by 1 or 2 goals is an acceptable action, but pulling the goalie earlier or when down 3+ goals ruins the fun factor for yourself and your opponent. Man up and put that goalie back in there or politely IM your opponent that you've had enough.
DON'T pull your goalie in your opponents zone! - If he's set his defense up & you have possession, pausing the game will generally cause him to lose control of his defenders on the restart, giving him no chance of defending your shot. Pull the goalie when you take possession in your own half, or between plays, before a faceoff (see pausing).
DON'T pull the goalie when you're winning big - Taunting your opponent by showing you don't even need a goalie on the ice really his the height of unsporting conduct. You don't have to ease up, but don't take the piss either!
Bugs (GENS):
Goalie Lock: - This occurs when you skate too far with the goalie and make an errant pass (usually into the boards), and then you are unable switch to another player. You become “locked” as the goalie, and to make matters worse, you don’t even have manual goalie – the goalie is also controlled by the CPU. You have no ability to do anything until one of your players receives the puck. The consensus says that this is a part of the game, and you have to deal with it. Pausing, quitting, etc. is NOT acceptable. Be careful and don’t let it happen. When this happens to your opponent, you have the right to score. However, you also have the right to cause a whistle as a sign of sportsmanship.
Post Whistle Penalty Shot: At the end of the period (or game!), if a player goes on a breakaway (hear the breakaway “beep”) and the other player checks him down, a penalty shot may result! This is part of the game and you have the right to score. The lesson learned here is to NOT hit a breakaway player after the whistle, and avoid the situation altogether.
Goal after the whistle: At the end of a play that would result in an ensuing penalty shot, if you shoot the puck during the stoppage (before the penalty shot), the puck will go in the net and score. Good sportsman on your part to pull your goalie and give up the equalizer goal, however you would have had a penalty shot that you no longer have. I can only hope this never happens on a game-winning or OT goal! Hopefully both players agree to a redo, but at the end of the day if it happens, you may just have to deal with it as part of the game.
Crease-cut goal: Not so much a bug, but this is where a player skates with the puck from the corner across the crease and when they start to shoot (usually backhanded) the goalie lays down (“takes a nap”) and it results in an easy goal. For the most part everyone agrees that it’s a cheap way to score, but at the same time also understands that its part of the game. It’s a defendable shot, so the team on defense just needs to recognize and adjust accordingly.
POST GAME
Say “GG” (Good game) and wait a moment because some guys want to look at the scoring/penalty summary or the stats.
We are damn lucky to be playing this ancient game with some good people. Every game is a good game. Certainly beats playing the CPU. So even when your online opponent goose egg'd ya 0-12 say "Good Game."
This information has been modified from the original post created by @kingraph