There is an NHL 2k6 bug that is known and a known solution. the problem arises when you edit your lines. The Game will allow you to play, and upon attempting to save your profile the game locks up. I am not sure if your issue is related, but the solution is as follows.
When editing lines, if you should happen to bring someone up from the minors, someone has top be sent to the minors in their place. If the number of active players, and players in the minors changes then the game will consistently lock up when attempting to save.
Make sure the number of active and IHL players stays consistent and you can edit lines without locking up.
We should all get NHL2K7 for free for buying a buggy 2K6 though. My favorite bug is when the ref drops the puck halfway across the ice from the face off circle!