The even strength shots after 2 were also 18-15. The shots after Vancouver pulled back into the game by making it 4-2? 3 a piece.
Essentially, Vancouver's 46 shots were largely a result of some beneficial officiating and the Leafs letting off the gas when up by 4. Once Vancouver pulled close, the Leafs shut it down.
As for whether Toronto is falling into the same "trap" as last year, the answer is both yes and no. The Leafs' play on the ice this year is noticeably better than last, including on defense. As well, whereas last year the Leafs would largely mirror Phil Kessel (when he got hot, the team, when he was cold, the team lost), this year's team has greater depth and is a more cohesive unit. However, the possession numbers are still in the bottom third of the league.
It should also be noted that last year's team improved as the year went on. Until about mid-late-December, the team fit the impression many have of them: Always hemmed, always getting outshot, relying on superhuman goaltending to win. But the ironic part is, if they had merely average goaltending down the stretch (either Bernier doesn't get injured or Reimer doesn't have a meltdown under the pressure), they likely make the playoffs. In other words, Corsi devotees will grimace at this statement, but that was likely a playoff team last year, derailed by a freak injury to it's No.1 goaltender. In the infamous 10 game skid, they actually out-shot their opponent in 8 of 10. If they can keep healthy this year, they should make the playoffs. At the very least, the talent is there to do so in a weak Eastern Conference.
