PHILADELPHIA — Tony DeAngelo knew the basics about Alexander Romanov as an opponent. But he’s learned a lot more regarding his new defense partner in his short time with the Islanders. Romanov’s physical play, stout defensive work and burgeoning offense has played a significant role in the Islanders’ recent resurgence.

The New York Islanders (22-20-7) dug deep. They won their fifth game in a row, closing out a very successful homestand with an emphatic third period against the Colorado Avalanche (29-21-2).

Romanov scored a goal on five shots, added six hits and blocked four shots in Tuesday's 5-2 win over the Avalanche. Romanov is in position to play a large role while Noah Dobson (lower body) and Ryan Pulock (upper body) are out.

Isles finish homestand with a record of 5-2-0, winning five straight games and lifting their overall record to two games over NHL-.500 for the first time all season

It’s become a pattern now — the Colorado Avalanche look like the better team for the better part of the first 40 minutes and then the final period is a problem.

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The Avalanche finally have a day off. It’s also a good time to (again) slow down on the Crosby trade rumors. Also, Dallas’ top defenseman was injured on an ugly play and another defenseman in Montreal also suffered an injury.

Holmstrom finished the night with three points, improving his season totals to 11 goals, 15 assists, and 26 points in 42 games. UP NEXT: The Islanders head on the road Thursday at 7:30 PM ET against the Philadelphia Flyers.

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Simon Holmstrom scored twice and added an assist, and Ilya Sorokin made 30 saves to lead the New York Islanders to a 5-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday night.

It took mere seconds into his debut with the Islanders for the importance of having DeAngelo on the right side of the blue line to become all the more important, when Ryan Pulock went down and later joined Noah Dobson on injured reserve .