Leo Komarov has been one of the Islanders’ unsung heroes of the playoffs so far

There have been many players who have taken hold of the spotlight for the New York Islanders during their run in the postseason.

You know the usual suspects — Semyon Varlamov, J.G. Pageau, Josh Bailey, Anthony Beauvillier and Adam Pelech.

Then there’s Leo Komarov.

Yes, that Komarov, whose contract is despised by a majority of the fan base. The same Komarov, who only had four goals and 14 points the entire regular season. The Komarov who is more known for his dumb penalties than overall production.

Guess you didn’t expect to hear that name did you.

But lets be honest here, Uncle Leo has been terrific for the Islanders and seems like he only playing bigger as each game becomes more important.

He has especially thrived as one of the players on the club’s third line, which for most of the season, was all but a black hole.

“For me personally, I just keep it simple and try to forecheck and give the puck to my linemates,” the 33-year-old told reporters yesterday via Zoom. “Yesterday I played with Ross and Pager and we had a pretty good game.”

That pretty good game Komarov was referencing included he getting the primary assist on (J.G.) Pageau’s insurance goal early in the third, which truly sealed the Isles’ game one win over the Philadelphia Flyers.

The helper was only Komarov’s second point of the postseason. His point total, though, doesn’t take away how effective he’s been. It goes beyond the stat sheet.

Komarov has been able to contribute in all facets, even though he’s only appeared in seven of the Islanders’ ten games in the bubble. He’s brought that grit, spit and character a team needs to be successful in the postseason, Komarov has also been effective playing the role of pest. He got under the skin of Alexander Ovechkin in the previous round, challenged Tom Wilson,

The Finnish native has also recorded a team-high 32 hits.

“These two guys bring their 110 percent every day, every night, every practice,” Pageau said while praising Komarov and (Ross) Johnston. “It’s fun playing with them.”

What makes his performance in the postseason even more noticeable is he wasn’t guaranteed his regular spot when the Isles began the playoffs a few weeks back. Komarov missed the beginning of camp after taking a puck to the face which required stitches.

“In my mind, originally that was probably his spot to lose,’’ head coach Barry Trotz said during the Caps series. “He was behind the 8-ball a little bit with the injury.”

That comment aside, Komarov has continued to show why he’s a damn good player and a key piece of this group.

The Islanders’ success this postseason can be attributed to a lot of things. One of them is what Leo Komarov has brought to the table.

He’s been an unsung hero, whether people want to believe it or not.