TORONTO – Leo Komarov claims to have no memory of the last time he stepped on the ice in a Stanley Cup playoff game.
There’s plenty of others in this city to do it for him: Game 7 … Boston … 4-1.
With the Leafs again knocking at the door for a post-season berth, it’s useful to look back on that May 2013 night to provide context for how far the 30-year-old Finn has come. Komarov was nailed to the bench for the final 17:51 by former coach Randy Carlyle – getting a front-row seat for the Bruins historic comeback, but having no chance to do anything about it.
"Actually, I don’t really remember that game because it was a tough loss for us," Komarov said before facing New Jersey on Thursday. "We did everything to win, but it didn’t really work our way. I think I have more experience since that, I’m getting a little bit older.
"And, yeah, I’m happy to play."
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Should the Leafs find themselves in a situation carrying similar stakes this spring, you can count on seeing a whole lot of No. 47.
Komarov occupies the left wing on Nazem Kadri’s shutdown line with Connor Brown – a trio Mike Babcock will lean on heavily in big games – while also serving as a regular penalty killer and net-front presence on the second power-play unit.
There’s a pretty good chance you’ll find him in the middle of every on-ice scrum too.
The temperature has been rising with the games taking on more meaning, and Komarov took it upon himself to make Brad Marchand’s night a little less comfortable during a 4-2 victory over Boston on Monday. The Columbus Blue Jackets certainly took note of his presence in Wednesday’s physical 5-2 win by Toronto.
"I just think the more competitive it gets the better it is for the guys that are a little bit nasty," said Babcock. "They like having fun with that, it gets them going. I thought last night’s game was like that. (The Blue Jackets) abused us pretty good the last time we were in there and so our guys were more engaged this time."
After riding a hot shooting percentage to a career-best 19 goals last season, Komarov’s settled in at a more reasonable pace with 12 through 72 games this year.
Since Komarov is usually on the ice with the most dangerous opponents, he considers it a good night when they essentially play even inside their matchup. It is largely left up to his teammates carrying a lighter load to do damage at even strength.
He rarely misses an opportunity to finish a bodycheck or get a few good words in before a faceoff. His deadpan delivery occasionally agitates opponents.
"Probably my English is not that good, so I don’t really understand what’s going on," Komarov said with a smile. "It’s nothing crazy. I respect every player I play against and go from there."
There are few who seem to be relishing the opportunity to get back to the playoffs as much as Komarov. He won a Gagarin Cup while playing for Moscow Dynamo in the KHL, and has participated in big games at the Olympics and IIHF world hockey championship with the Finnish national team.
Until recently, there hasn’t been too many of those for him in Toronto.
"It’s way nicer, obviously," said Komarov. "Last year it was kind of packing your bag already, but now you actually have something to play for. It’s really nice because this is hockey.
"It’s nice to be around here."
The Leafs are certainly happy to have him.
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