I'm going to go back a little further than that
The addition of Nathan Burns was the piece of the puzzle that got them going in the right direction. It gave them two solid lines. The additions at the trade deadline were huge however. Those three guys gave them four solid lines. Kind of a chicken and egg thing, but whatever, I think that adding the three at the deadline has contributed in so many ways. On the PK, the PP, and just the overall attitude with the team. In Red Deer they looked so confident; and played that way. This streak has done more than get them to where they are point-wise, it has transformed their self belief and their group sense that they really can compete with anyone.
No matter how you cut it though, the deals Lorne made have changed the entire identity of this team.
Ferland immediately had an impact (in more ways than one)
The team is collectively a lot tougher to play against and his scoring touch is still there. The difference between him and Kambeitz is the biggest difference no doubt. He is wearing an A; deservedly.