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.

As much as the Colorado Avalanche would've liked to cap off this whirlwind of a road trip on a positive note, they failed to do so. The team, which looks a little different having replaced Mikko Rantanen with Martin Necas and Jack Drury,

The Colorado Avalanche are wrapping up their New York road trip with a matchup against the New York Islanders on Jan. 28, a game where the two teams made plenty of headlines off the ice.

The New York Islanders won a game Saturday night in which their top defenseman played 15 seconds, their newest defenseman played 25 minutes and their backup goalie exited with an injury before overtime began.