The hype for the new installment of EA Sports annual NHL franchise video game is incredible. With the release of NHL 13 on Sep. 11 2013, it will be the first NHL video game with a “cover vote” decided by the fans, just like EA does with its Madden franchise.

This year, we’ll get to see Claude Giroux of the Philadelphia Flyers on the cover, unless you opt for the new “Stanley Cup Collector’s Edition”, which retails for $79.99 and features – what else – the Stanley Cup on the cover.

EA just released a new “Presentation Overhaul” video and in it, we get to see for the first time the New York Rangers face the Philadelphia Flyers in the Winter Classic mode. The Winter Classic mode debuted last year in NHL 12.

The video features realistic breathing, “skate snow” on hard stops, and a near-perfect recreation of Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA where the 2012 Winter Classic was located.

The Rangers won 3-2, just in case you forgot.

It’s pretty easy to see watching this new video how much EA has really increased the over presentation and realism of their annual NHL video game. The new broadcast-style camera for replays and game play really can turn your video game experience into a near-perfect recreation of the real thing. Except for Sam Rosen of MSG or Doc Emrick of NBC Sports Network commenting the game.

So what are you waiting for? Check out the video: