In a nutshell:

You draft players from the NHL to your "team" and based on their performances in various categories, ranging from goals, assists, penalty minutes, shutouts, and the like, your team accumulates points in the standings.

Depending on the number of teams, the points can change, but if there are 10 teams and you lead in a given category, you have the full 10 points. If someone passes you, they get the 10 points and you drop to 9 points, and on and on throughout the season. Usually, the best, most consistent, all-around team wins.

Also, do we want head-to-head matchups a la football or should I leave it as it is?

Take care all.