EAST MEADOW, NY -- Since Tony DeAngelo arrived on Long Island, he's been stapled to Alexander Romanov's right. 

And it's really been a match made in heaven for both players, particularly Romanov who has emerged as not just a stud defenseman but has evolved into a clear-cut No. 1 blueliner.

 "I didn't know too much about his game before I got here. I've been super impressed playing with him," DeAngelo said. He's calm with the puck. He can break it out. He defends really well. He's good in the offensive zone. I have just been super impressed.

"Not that I thought he wasn't a good player, but he's way better than I thought. I get to play with him and watch him as the game goes on. But he's been a big help for me, and hopefully, he feels the same way."

He was a raw defenseman when the Islanders acquired Romanov from the Montreal Canadiens at the 2022 NHL Draft for their 13th overall pick. He loved to hit, but needed to learn how to play more positionally sound and choose his spots better.

A few years later, he is not only a defensive weapon and physical machine, but he's also blossomed offensively. And when we say offensively, we don't mean he's racking up goals and assists, but his ability to break the puck out, jump in on the rush and get shots through have allowed more offensive chances for his teammates.

"He gets his shots through. He's able to find a way to get them through," DeAngelo said.  Obviously, they're going in for him right now, which is good, but he just creates lanes. He's not afraid to move. He can make a play too. He's got heavy shots. So, those wristers get in there. That's what we're trying to do, get guys in front of the net, tips, rebounds, whatever it is. So the more he gets them through, the more chances we are going to create."

Communication is key for any defense pairing. DeAngelo touched on that Friday morning.  

"I didn't pick up any Russian while I was [in the KHL], but he understands what I'm saying," DeAngelo said. "And we have good communication during the game, which is the most important part for me, and as long as we're on the same page in what we're trying to do, and breakouts and little stuff like that. So he's been great, and he's into the game. He's a really competitive guy, so that suits me."

In a lineup that seems to forever be changing, Romanov and DeAngelo have remained one of the few constants, even with Noah Dobson back in the mix. 

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