This team has earned itself the hatred of the rest of hockey trying to play to Gillis' vision of NHL competition. The "we'll take the powerplays" mentality has led to dead ends in the playoffs more than once.
I do not think the managerial intent has changed, but the team is evolving on it's own. The players recognize an element it takes to win, even though Gillis never did. On their own, unguided, they are finding the way to become a playoff team! Toughness and push back are elements of that.
We will know right away in the actual playoffs if they have done it. A good preview will be the third to last game against Chicago. Sadly, I don't think this assembly is real playoff material. There is no giant to clear the crease. There is no feared fourth liner. There is also a lot of littleness and softness in the forward group that will be pushed to the perimeter, so tough enough is part of that discussion, too.
I doubt Gillis recognizes it, (he missed 2010) but teams that gel and fight for each other are an opportunity to advance. Gillis is actually only a few little player moves from domination, but must overcome a giant ego issue. You see, he was a soft little when he was a player and he wants to prove to everyone that a small, skilled forward set can win it all. Hahahaha! So, its kind of moot because he will never admit it enough to add the very few (2, IMO) pieces he needs to go get the cup.