Depends on what kind of franchise I'm running.
I have two kinds of franchises that I run.
There's the 'use your favorite team and just have fun and try to win' kind of franchise. That, I don't scout anyone. Just play.
The one I use more than any of them is the 'take a team with high upside and bring them to greatness'. For that, I scout. I try to get matchups, especially against elite teams. Look at stats, numbers, etc. to get an idea of who their best players are and try to get my best on the ice not against them, usually. Sometimes, I have a shut-down player that I try to match against their best players.
For instance, in my Thrashers franchise, I've spent over a half-an-hour preparing for my first playoff series against the Flyers.
As for the rant, yes, it bothers me. I've traded goaltenders after one bad game.