Easy Goals:
During a break away hold 'Speedburst' followed by 'Square' for a slap shot. If you take the shot at an angle you will score most of the time.

Cheaper Players:
Place the best players on a team and then create a franchise and play. When it gets to the end of the season or playoffs make your players play bad and you'll be able to sign them cheap.

Avoiding Bad Phone Calls:
Save the game and answer the call, if it's a bad call reload the game and try again.