NEW YORK – Remember when everyone thought the Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching staff was in serious trouble during the playoffs?

Many expected the Dodgers to exit early again due to having only three effective starters.

With more capable pitchers nursing injuries than those available for play, the outlook was grim, right?

Well, it turns out those concerns were unfounded.

The Dodgers achieved their fourth shutout in five postseason games with an impressive 8-0 victory over the New York Mets at Citi Field, putting them ahead 2-1 in the National League Championship Series.

They are now halfway to the World Series.

“We didn’t take it too personally,’’ said winning pitcher Michael Kopech, a reliever for the Dodgers. “But, you know, in a way, we did.

“It’s pretty amazing to see what we’re accomplishing.’’

It’s also noteworthy and remarkable.

The Dodgers have become only the eighth team in postseason history to record four shutouts, just shy of Cleveland’s five shutouts in 2016.

“It’s incredibly rewarding,’’ said Dodgers reliever Blake Treinen, “but there’s nothing overly complicated to it. Our defense has been stellar behind us. Our offense provides early leads, which makes our jobs easier.

“We don’t let things overwhelm us. We’re ready to make crucial pitches when it matters most.’’

Simply put, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes: “These players are focused and determined.’’

It’s not like the Dodgers have legends like Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale on the mound anymore. Don Newcombe is gone, and Orel Hershiser has long since retired. Clayton Kershaw is on the injured list.

Yet, Walker Buehler, who struggled with a 1-6 record and a 5.38 ERA over 16 starts this season, impressively shut down the Mets for four innings. Kopech, Ryan Brasier, and Treinen, all players who were once overlooked by other teams, combined for three more shutout innings, while rookie Ben Casparius, who was pitching for the University of Connecticut just three years ago, added two additional scoreless innings to conclude the game.

“Walker,’’ praised Max Muncy, who matched the Dodgers’ franchise record with his 13^th postseason home run, “was his usual self. “That’s exactly what we anticipated. He had the right attitude and energy tonight.

It’s accurate to say the entire Dodgers pitching squad performed similarly. The only people at 41 Seaver Way who weren’t surprised were the players in the visiting clubhouse at Citi Field.

“I wasn’t surprised,’’ said Dodgers All-Star right fielder Mookie Betts. “They work hard and play the game the right way. Their current success is exciting to be part of.

“Everyone experiences highs and lows, but our belief in each other is evident, and it’s showing now.’

The Dodgers are taking an unconventional approach this postseason, relying on Jack Flaherty as their only starter to surpass five innings. They’ve executed bullpen games three times, but it’s proven to work like a charm.

“We anticipated relying heavily on the bullpen in the playoffs,’’ Kopech shared. “We were ready to step up. We had no doubts about our abilities.”

The Mets had their opportunities in Game 3, particularly during the second inning with the bases loaded and one out against Buehler. He struck out Francisco Alvarez on a 94-mph fastball and then outsmarted Francisco Lindor on a 3-and-2 curveball, ending that threat.

“Some players excel in critical moments,’’ Muncy noted, “and he’s undoubtedly one of them. There are rarely moments that intimidate him.”

“Facing a pitching staff like that can be challenging,” stated Mets manager Carlos Mendoza. “We are creating opportunities. I appreciate that we’re getting on base, but haven’t managed to convert those into critical hits. …

“I will keep supporting our players. They’ve brought us this far, and I believe they will rise to the occasion.”

But, the Mets need to make a swift turnaround, or their Subway Series aspirations could be dashed.

As Betts emphasized, “In moments like these, tomorrow isn’t a certainty. They slip away rather quickly.”

The Dodgers are acutely aware of the urgency. They faced elimination during the NL Division Series against the San Diego Padres but bounced back to shut them out in the final two games.

The Dodgers returned to New York for the NLCS for the first time since 1988. However, the excited sellout crowd of 43,883 started filing out as soon as Enrique Hernandez hit a two-run homer in the sixth inning, expanding the Dodgers’ lead to 4-0. The game turned into a rout when Shohei Ohtani blasted a three-run homer in the eighth, followed by Muncy’s homer in the ninth.

“Having a two-run lead with a team like this gives you plenty of breathing room,” Kopech stated. “It feels like the games aren’t competitive unless we’re at a 0-0 score. That’s how confident we are.

“At this point, I feel like we have an advantage over almost anyone.”

In New York, it’s unlikely you’ll find anyone willing to disagree.