I don't know about examples, but we've been through this re NYI's shootout success. It's not a fluke. They can run out two shooters who are better than anyone the opposition can put out (Nielsen, Okposo). Then they've got a whole slew of shooters that are pretty good with Tavares, Bailey, Nelson, Strome, etc. Add a top-5 shootout goalie, and they're just the best in the league at the shootout. It's unlikely they go undefeated in the shootout. Still, they should still win the majority the rest of the way.
Let's be clear about this: points notwithstanding, the conference looks like this.
1. Pittsburgh
..
2. Tampa Bay
..
3. The Mess:
Detroit, NYI, Montreal, Toronto, New York Rangers, Washington Capitals
9. The underperforming Boston Bruins
10-15. Teams with major deficiencies unlikely to challege for a playoff spot.
I don't think there's much difference between teams with 40ish points and teams like the Rangers and Capitals who are a little down. I expect that to even out a bit as the season goes on.
As a NYI fan, I feel like it is unrealistic to think that the team has overnight improved from a bottom-feeder to a team expected to win multiple rounds in the playoffs. Despite the fact that goaltending is VASTLY improved (I hope for Tampa's sake that Bishop is not out for long if he's gone for long, they're in The Mess too) + the forward depth is excellent, NYI have no legitimate #1 Defender or top pairing (despite decent defensive depth).
The goal this year was playoffs. It's looking good. It'll look better with first round home ice + a matchup against another team in The Mess.