For me, it's more about the process
I'm looking for consistent solid efforts and a commitment to playing the system/structure (aka "buy in"). So far this season, there hasn't been much to complain about. A game here and a game there, but that happens to every team
If they end up losing in the first round in the same fashion as last year, it won't be ideal. But if they leave it all on the ice, play the right way and just get beaten by a team that's better, then I'm OK with that
So many things have to go right to win a cup... even really good teams with generational talent need to "catch lightening in a bottle" so to speak