What makes a league winning team?

[bobness]

I'm reading the below book currently, and it asks the question (as England did in 2015) "What makes a winning team?". There are some very subtle answers too.


Given that we know what doesn't, what does make an EIHL winning team?
What's actually important, rather than "nice to have"?
Which are the causes of winning EIHL teams and which are the effects?

A settled and productive main scoring line?
Having an "MVP" type forward (or two)?
Few player movements?
A statistically excellent netminder?
A mix of LH/RH D men?
NHL experience?
A mix of players?
A "good" captain?
A coach with EIHL experience?
Good face off stats in all (or some) zones?
Consistently good PP/PK?
Having a lot of PP time?
Scoring a lot in the first period?
Being able to hang on to a lead?
Being able to claw back first period deficits?
"Character" players?
A recognised "policeman"?
Not conceding 5 on 3 PKs?

For years, Steelers have had good netminders, solid D, a mix of forwards, and never seem to know when they're beaten. Giants generally have a stellar top line, a "stud" D man, and excellent netminding. Devils have few movements, excellent continuity, and sign specific role players.

I don't necessarily have any/all of the answers, but it might be a decent discussion?
Opinions welcome.

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[wgray]

The answer must be on here surely?

In all seriousness, it’s got to be a mix of everything you mention, and I think you need a bit of luck to achieve some of it as well.

You need a settled team without injuries, the conviction to make changes and additions hastily. Players at the peak of their career who are coming off successful seasons.

[iginla]

In the EIHL you also need some good Brits and an owner who will go the extra mile.