How many players can play this locally on a couch? I have 4 controllers...

What does the thumbnail sock mean? Up to 4 players? But then on other games by them, sometimes it'll be single player but have a sock with like a 9? What does it mean?

I would like a way to 1v1 and 2v1 without having to put in a third and fourth player in to prevent AI from taking over, that solution is jank, messes up the clock, and messes up bounces because the puck could end up anywhere, and therefore can and will allways run into the "ghost players"...

Can this game be online with friends who are elsewhere?

Hi, I bought this game tonight and I can launch it but the screen is only black. If I move the arrows up and down I can hear the menu selection, but I cant really select or see anything. Help?