Not sure I agree with this. Of course there are different styles of hockey, and when applied with the right personnel, it can be a winning combination. To use an analogy take a look at boxing. Imagine a Floyd Mayweather or James Toney not using a philly shell/counter punching style of boxing and adopting a more aggressive or straight forward style- they might not be as effective as they are today. Both are great athletes and could probably accomplish much, but style can flesh out what athletes are good at.
Perhaps this season should be taken in perspective. The positives is that a battle mentality from players like Kassian, Matthais, Richardson and even Sestito when he is on his game gives the Canucks a stiffness they haven't had in a long time. I like that, and hope whatever coach is employed next year that doesn't go away.