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.

The Avalanche entered the third at UBS Arena tied with the New York Islanders. All they needed to do was win a period and return home feeling good after an emotional road trip.

The New York Islanders (22-20-7) won their fifth straight game and defeated the Colorado Avalanche (29-21-2) 5-2 on Tuesday night in UBS Arena.

ELMONT, N.Y. -- Simon Holmstrom had two goals and an assist for the New York Islanders, who won their fifth straight game with a 5-2 victory against the Colorado Avalanche at UBS Arena on Tuesday.

If there was any chance of saving their season and avoiding being sellers at the trade deadline, the Islanders had to use this seven-game homestand to make some kind of statement. And as the two weeks at home wrapped up against the Avalanche on Tuesday night,