After its debut on the Xbox 360 and Xbox consoles earlier this week, NHL 2007, the latest in the successful hockey game series, is now also available as an exclusive playable Xbox 360 demo via the Xbox Live Marketplace.

"2K Sports' top-rated hockey franchise has always been highly praised by gamers. With the NHL 2K7 demo now available on Marketplace, every Xbox 360 gamer will be able to test drive this year's installment and experience for themselves the best next generation NHL game on the market," said Erik Whiteford, vice president of marketing for 2K Sports. "2K Sports has earned a reputation for developing the highest rated games and NHL 2K7 continues this legacy with new features you can't get anywhere else."

This year's installment promises to bring the gameplay experience to a whole new level with all-new controls, an innovative Pressure Control feature that enhances the defensive controls by allowing players to instruct teammates to defend specific opposing players, and a "groundbreaking" presentation system said to really capture the drama of hockey with a combination of unique camera angles, cut-scenes and orchestrated music.

The PlayStation 2 version will be available in early October, but the game has not been yet concept approved for the PlayStation 3 system by Sony Computer Entertainment America.