Operation Sports Forums - I am the epitome of a casual player.

So I gave in and purchased NHL 20 last weekend while it was on sale and after reading the article from OS. I follow playoff hockey typically and haven't played since NHL 16. I'm eager to start a franchise, typically follow the sharks growing up close to SJ. But no real dog in the race. I'd love to rebuild a team except I know nothing about the players unless they're popular names.
I also dont really know the strategy of playing correctly. Sort of just skate around praying I stay onside and pepper the goal keeper.

Someone lead me in the right direction. Give me some team choices? Maybe some sliders and game play suggestions. What should I be trying to do besides the obvious? If you were teaching someone the basics of how to play hockey competitively, what would you tell them? I want to enjoy this game and gameplay wise it's great but I struggle to win games and dont want to play on the easiest setting because then it's one way traffic all game. I can hold possession just cant score. I want to choose a team but not invested in anyone and as far as trades or signings I don't know more than 20 players. Suggestions? Maybe I'm being too picky.