The big difference this year though is that they've managed to play much more consistent hockey. This time last year they had yet to win two games in a row since December 11th and 13th, and wouldn't win two in a row until the last two games of the season. It took them 50 games.
This year they're at least managing to string some wins together. Hopefully they won't collapse down the stretch, but if they do I figure it won't be a total train wreck.