WatchfulElm
Former "Domi a favor"
Their success has come from Price, one of Subban or Weber, Pacioretty, effective coaching (sorry to the haters) and random up seasons from players (see Danault).
Can't forget misfortunes of other teams. You really think a Tampa bay with a healthy Stamkos doesn't beat out Montreal in any of his injury years?
Often forgotten is also the fact that regular season teams are so unpredictable. Look at LAs roster and tell me why they deserve to. Be 22nd overall last year? How was Minnesota 5th in their division two years ago? In 13-14, the sabres literally won just 1/4 of their games. We knew they would be bad, but who could predict that?
I agree coaching has been largely underestimated.
And I also agree the misfortune of other teams is one of the big reasons Montreal won 3 division titles. Just like the misfortune of Montreal in 2015-16 is one of the reasons Florida won the title in 2015-16.
I also think Tampa has been greatly overvalued over the last few seasons. That's a team with a lot of star power, but they also have their weaknesses. Still have.