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 Islanders are playing their best hockey of the season, but they are facing as bad an injury crisis as they’ve had in a season filled with them.

The New York Islanders will have to make due without one of their top defensemen. The team announced that veteran blue liner Ryan Pulock, along with goalie Marc

Ryan Pulock and Marcus Hogberg were both placed on IR retroactive to Jan. 25 with upper-body injuries, Jakub Skarek recalled

A year ago, it was a Nov. 24 match in Ottawa that immutably changed the season for the Islanders, when Adam Pelech and Sebastian Aho both got hurt, trimming the Isles down to four defenseman for an eventual win over the Senators.

Pulock headed straight to the Islanders' dressing room just 15 seconds into the first period appearing to favor his left arm.

New York announced on Monday afternoon that they have acquired Scott Perunovich from the St. Louis Blues : While Pulock is a big-body right-shot defenseman, Pernovich is a 5-10 left-handed defenseman. However, he can play both sides.

Evgeni Malkin is week to week with a lower-body injury and was placed on injured reserve by the Penguins on Monday. The center sustained the injury during a 4-1 loss at the Seattle Kraken on Saturday. Malkin has 34 points (nine goals, 25 assists) in 47 games this season.

In their 3-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night, the team lost defenseman Ryan Pulock on the opening shift and Marcus Hogberg after regulation due to lower-body in

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 .

Alexander Romanov and Tony DeAngelo are playing significant roles with Noah Dobson and Ryan Pulock out with injuries.