So what is the reason for such a change in play and results? Players started to care, system change, Todd Nelson's role change?
Probably a bunch of stuff, including what you mentioned. I think building some chemistry helped as well.
I think it's a stupid argument because these are professional athletes, but they did have a rough start to the schedule. Bunch of strong teams, a lot of travel, not many days off. They're getting more time at home, more time off, easier/injured opponents, etc. Actually practicing now has to be helping too.
At this point, it's like they've finally reached a reset point by hitting .500. Now they need to continue this. .600 hockey is probably the minimum we need to not have to fight for a playoff spot in the last few games of the season. This team is absolutely capable of that, as we're seeing, it's just a matter of them actually performing that way.
I am interested to see what role Zubov has, if any. The guy is a PP wizard and has the potential to single-handedly resurrect that portion of our game. Toss Nelson since he's pretty much been demoted anyway and bring him in. Or just leave Nelson up in the press box like he is now.
We probably lose at least one of Nelson, Bowness, and Stevens next offseason anyway.