I've been reflecting on exactly this, and I think that the losses to the Knights last year have done this team a world of good for this go around. Aside from Game 2 against St Louis (and the third period in Game 5 against St Louis and maybe the first two periods of Game 4 against Edmonton), the Avs have been playing their game and imposing their will on opponents. Granted not playing perfect, unbeatable hockey especially with the below average goaltending, but they have been very consistent at being able to play their game.
Just goes to show how legendary of a legend Megna is, that no one knows how to spell his first name without looking it up (apparently it's Jayson)