Here's what I loved about NHL '94 -- remember, this was 10 years ago:
1) There was different music for each rink -- well some had the same music, but when you were playing in Buffalo (my favorite tune), you knew you weren't in Pittsburgh or Hartford.
2) You could control your goalie, which all but nullified the cheesy ways in which you could score goals in NHL and NHL '93.
3) One-timers ruled the school.
4) I think this might have had players go on "hot" and "cold" streaks; I can't remember this one (And weren't injuries a part of the game, too? I don't remember this possible feature either)...