I think that's blowing it a wee bit out of proportion. It's still just a 19 game sample size, and going from being among the worst in the conference if not the entire league to the worst Top 7 team in the West is still a nice jump to make in a year. It would be great to see the team ready to make a run right now, but the realistic expectation at the start of the year was probably a one and done playoff appearance.
We've played most of those teams 3 times. Some we haven't even beaten yet (STL/ANA) and came close to blowing it with LA at home, and squeaked one out against Chicago early (both at home). I don't have a lot of faith on the road against these teams when we were throttled in Chicago, San Jose, Los Angeles, and St. Louis threw up a 4 in regulation.
Right now...we NEED to be the 6th seed to have a shot. And Kesler is back for Vancouver now as well. Only other team I wouldn't be too hard pressed to play against is Detroit. The issue with that, is I think the only way it'll happens is if we are 4th and they are 5th.