The hallmark of a true contender is 5v5 goal differential. Most of the 60 min of a hockey game is played 5v5, and teams that have the best offensive to defensive output under those conditions usually end up vying for the cup.
There are always some exceptions... 2012 LA was a bit of an anomaly but their 5v5 G/F went up an entire goal after the Carter for Johnson deal (great goal scorer for a turn style defender).
To call this team a contender is a fallacy of epic proportions. Not even close. The 2012 Rangers were definitely contenders. If you look at the top of the standings, you will see that the teams with the most points also have a considerable gap when GF v GA is concerned.
AV's Vancouver teams for years had that as well (2 dominant centers, shutdown defensemen, effective checking line forwards, and elite goaltending are part of the formula).
Most years, barring early playoff matchups, the top 7 teams in 5v5 GD usually finish in the final 4. It will change a bit this year because of the new playoff structure where two favored teams will undoubtedly meet int he 1st round, while a team like Minnesota might get a good matchup, but teams that can defend well will still win out.
The last three Stanley Cup champs all sported the best team defense in the league... that's 2011 with Boston, 2012 with LA, and 2013 with Chicago.
Getting 40 perimeter shots isn't going to win championships in this day and age. It's a shame Torts lacked people skills cause he had it right one year before the GM mismanaged contracts that off season.
