If you watch sports for any extended amount of time you learn one thing; adversity is inevitable. The league year is pretty long and teams are way too talented for this not to be true. But this is why leadership is so important. Absence of leadership on your team will only hinder any opportunity for growth, and nearly eliminate the opportunity for experience.
Just two years ago, The Carolina Hurricanes seemed to have enough pieces to be conducive for a success in the season, and eventual playoff acumen, but consistently fell short. Leadership was sorely lacking, and this was evident by all parties.