It is really difficult to figure out.
McDavid and Draisaitl are the two best player in the world, AINEC.
Bouchard is one of the greatest offensive talents on the blue-line in a generation.
Ekholm is one of the NHL's best defensive defencemen in probably a couple of generations.
Nurse - what's not to like? Big, mobile, and great in all 3 zones. Frightening to play against too, and keeps the opposition honest.
Knoblauch - well on his way to becoming the most successful coach in the NHL. Name another who has two straight SCF appearances! I predict that within a decade, people will stop using Scotty Bowman in arguments like "Even Bowman can't save this team", and replace it with Knoblauch.
If I really had to guess at what is going on in Edmonton - why this generational team is off to s slow start - I would have to say that it started in game 1. I think the Flames broke them.