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‘We know we can play to a higher level,’ says coach of team with very good record

Randy Carlyle

Toronto Maple Leafs hockey head coach Randy Carlyle gestures during a news conference in Toronto, Tuesday, April 10, 2012. A letter to fans posted on the Leafs’ website Monday asks for forgiveness after the team missed the playoffs for the seventh straight year. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Chris Young)

AP

Depending where you stand on these things, the Toronto Maple Leafs were either admirable in their opportunism or plain old lucky to beat the Wild, 4-1, last night despite getting outshot by a huge margin, 37-14.

Or, if you’re Toronto head coach Randy Carlyle, you can stand somewhere in the middle.

“We know we can play to a higher level and play a better puck-possession game than what we have so far,” said Carlyle, per TSN’s Jonas Siegel.

“We’re happy to take 6-1, but there’s a but,” he added, per Michael Traikos of the National Post.

The Leafs may be 6-1-0 and tied for the most points in the NHL, but there remain doubts about their ability to keep winning the way they’re currently doing it -- which is with a combination of great goaltending, timely scoring, and excellent special teams.

A couple of stats to consider: 1) Toronto has won four of the fives games in which its opponent has registered more shots. 2) Only four teams have surrendered more shots on average than the Leafs (34.6).

It all makes for a compelling narrative, especially if you’ve been following the whole “advanced stats” debate surrounding the Leafs.

Toronto’s next game is Thursday at home to Carolina.