While Couts has helped him (because neither G or V is a great defensive player, Couts takes some of that pressure off), the real difference this year isn't playing with better players, but Voracek finally playing up to his talent instead of gliding through life. The raw talent has never been an issue, but at times he has lacked intensity, and at others awareness, and sometimes both.
Last year he lead the team in turnovers (56 v 24 takeaways) among forwards, still turning it over (8) but also forcing turnovers (7).
had only 30 hits (Konency had 96 hits). This year 7 hits in 11 games.
His Corsi Rel was only 1.5, this year 7.0
ES GF/GA 2.5/3.5. This year 4.8/3.0.
The eyeball test confirms this, he's skating harder, playing more physical, more into the game.
Size matters, watch a Voracek entry v a Konency entry.
But motor also does, a high motor Voracek is an elite player, a so-so motor Voracek is good but nothing special.
Hopefully, he can maintain this level of player (or close to it) for 100 games.