This will always be a debate. No matter what anyone says. One thing I noticed, and if I'm wrong correct me, is that if you want the CPU to control YOUR strategies, it ONLY adjusts the attack and defensive styles. It does not change the efficiency sliders or if a line should pass or dump the puck more.
This is something the CPU opponent does quite often. When we adjust the HUM Strat slider, it should adjust all relevant strategies, just like the CPU opponent does. It makes no sense to have this slider if the CPU "coach" only adjusts 1/2 your sliders. So when the feeling of "comeback" is happening, and you have your HUM strat sliders above 1, the amount of pressure you are applying is not changed, just the attack styles.
Again, another illogical decision by EA. Just like if you're playing position lock, you get to a shoot out, instead of only controlling that position in the SO, you have to control them all.
Anyway, putting the CPU strat on 1 does help alleviate this "comeback" feel. Also, put Attribute Effects no more than 4. Anything more, and it even makes the defenseman play like superstars, again, creating the feeling of "comeback".