I think you are right. It's very much about having the right guys, not necessarily the most talented guys. I have thought that over the years, besides Ovi and a couple others, that the Caps lacked the type of players that want to win at any cost. The guys that just have that burning desire. We had too many guys that maybe had great talent and potential, but that didn't have that fire and will to win no matter what.
I think the Coach can help make sure the team chemistry is good but if he is given a core of players that just don't have the fire, then he has to rely more on luck.
If the Caps had made some bold moves early in the careers of guys like Semin, Green, Carlson and yes, even Nicky, then I think it is likely we would have won another Cup or two.