What I need to see:
1. Consistency of effort. Every team throws up a stinker every now and then, but it needs to be once every 10-12 games, not once every four.
2. Commitment by upper management to improve the team. Make hard decisions about goalie, top 6 winger, etc.
3. Toughness/grit - you cannot get pushed around and be successful over the long run in the NHL. Especially come playoff time when the whistles get swallowed.