Others can be surprised Leo Komarov has settled into the role as left wing to top-line center Mathew Barzal heading into the Islanders’ first-round playoff series against the Penguins. Barry Trotz even might have been at one point, before the coach really got to appreciate how Komarov — a quintessential hockey pest — operates.
But not the man affectionately known as Uncle Leo.
"You know me," Komarov said after the Islanders practiced on Thursday at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow. "I’m just fighting and trying to play my best game. I won’t be surprised.