Randoming vs. Good Team vs. Being A Homer

[SassageKing]

Just wondering how you guys pick teams for online versus matches...myself and my buddies pretty much always random for teams, even online vs. strangers, but it seems we're in the minority online(so far it seems everyone picks Vancouver or Washington like they're Ken & Ryu). So just curious, do you guys pick a random team, go with your home team, or just pick a team that is rated high/has a high-rated goalie?

I prefer randoming for a few reasons, it lets me practice with the different offensive plays/forecheck setups, and get to know players outside of the big names and Hawks, which helps for my fantasy drafting a bit.

[harvey88]

Always play with the Flyers, my fav team. It would just feel wrong playing with any other team. Just like in Baseball games, I always play as the Jays.

[catcatch22]

I watch every ranger game and only play online versus or franchise with the rangers solely. Even exhibition games. That way I am familiar with my team and how can do what where. Not that it is much of an issue since many of the players seem to play very similar.

[SassageKing]

It also doesn't really help me that the Hawks are a trendy pick right now, I guess. Half the time by the time I even hit the lobby the other person has already chosen them so I can't really be a homer if I wanted to, lol.

[Lubey]

I picked the LA Kings to use online versus this year. I dunno why. Not a fan of them, but don't hate them either. I like that they're young, and I think those all black jerseys are sharp. I'm 7-0 with them so far so I'm sticking with them at least until I lose.

[LingeringRegime]

If I a am playing a Play Now match I go random. Online and Franchise it is my "home team."

[Bama83]

Play as my favorite teams:
Toronto and Phoenix

or when I'm feeling froggy, the hometown:
San Antonio Rampage

[JayhawkerStL]

I take the Blues, every time.