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Isles have ‘tightened things up defensively,’ won three straight

New York Islanders v Arizona Coyotes

GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 08: Shane Doan #19 of the Arizona Coyotes and Brock Nelson #29 of the New York Islanders skate for a loose puck during the third period at Gila River Arena on November 8, 2014 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images)

NHLI via Getty Images

Hey, remember a week ago when we wrote about the Islanders and the fact they were still struggling defensively despite all the changes GM Garth Snow made to the roster this past offseason?

Yeah, that was so last week.

Since then, the Isles have rattled off three straight victories, all on the road, while surrendering just three combined goals to the Ducks, Kings, and Coyotes. Tomorrow at home, they get a chance for revenge against Colorado, which beat them 5-0 on Oct. 30.

“We tightened things up defensively,” captain John Tavares said after Saturday’s 1-0 win in Arizona, per Newsday. “We’re pleased with what we’ve done, but you don’t want to be satisfied. We’re headed home and we want to keep this going there.”

A week ago, the Isles’ goals-against average ranked 29th in the NHL. It’s now tied for 21st (3.00).

The Isles (9-5-0) are also among the top possession teams in the league, something they couldn’t say last season when they finished well out of a playoff spot.

Even more good news? Johnny Boychuck’s leg injury is apparently not serious, and the defenseman could play tomorrow after missing Saturday’s contest.