Bad couple games makes sense, and wouldn't be unprecedented. Looked up game splits, and Phil does seem to have runs of three where he averages 2 shots per game and doesn't do much. Maybe it's just that.
But maybe it's something else. Mirtle seems to have a theory that points a bigger problem:
The Leafs have rarely been able to cycle the puck and build pressure, which tires out opposition defenders and can create a flurry of chances in a single shift.
Instead, they have often been ?on the receiving end,? to quote one of Carlyle?s well-worn phrases.
At even strength alone, the Leafs have been outshot 81-44 and out attempted 169-90 in their last three games, their most lopsided outings of the season.
The trend has been most pronounced with some of Toronto?s top players on the ice, too, with captain Dion Phaneuf and the first line duo of Phil Kessel and Tyler Bozak most heavily snowed under.
Part of the problem is those three have been tasked with the heaviest load and in situations where they?re often starting in their own zone. The Leafs have won only 45 per cent of their draws this year (26th in the NHL) and have had close to double the number of defensive zone faceoffs compared to offensive zone ones in recent games.
That has had a negative effect on their ability to generate offence as much as anything, as the Leafs top offensive players spend their shifts trying to clear their own end.
source: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/mirtle-latest-losses-expose-leafs-possession-problems/article14952807/
I've only caught periods of the last three games. What I've seen has looked about as good as the bad stretches of the first 6 games: generally bad 5 on 5 play, defensive play characterized by too many breakdowns, good goaltending to bail everyone out, some excellent special teams work, and opportunistic even-strength scoring. What I've not seen has been anything like the last half of the Philly game, during which the Leafs' even-strength play seemed to improve. But I've not been able to watch enough to say. So...
Thoughts on the Mirtle?
