Beauchemin scores 2 goals, Varlamov stops 33 shots as Avalanche beat Islanders 2-1

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Francois Beauchemin, front, is congratulated after scoring a goal against the New York Islanders in the first period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (The Associated Press)

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Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov, of Russia, makes a stick save of a shot against the New York Islanders in the first period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (The Associated Press)

New York Islanders right wing Cal Clutterbuck, back, loses control of the puck to Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie in the first period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Dec.17, 2015, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (The Associated Press)

DENVER – Defenseman Francois Beauchemin scored twice, including the tiebreaking goal late in the third period, Semyon Varlamov stopped 33 shots and the Colorado Avalanche beat the New York Islanders 2-1 Thursday night for their fourth straight win.

Beauchemin was in the corner when he sent a puck in front of the net that bounced off the skate of Islanders center Mikhail Grabovski and caromed past goaltender Thomas Greiss with 3:48 remaining. Beauchemin also scored in the opening period.

After winning three straight on the road, the Avalanche kept it up at home — a place where they've struggled — improving to 5-7-1 at Pepsi Center this season.

Varlamov kept up his torrid play, earning the victory for a fifth straight start. He's allowed five goals during the streak.

Brock Nelson scored a power play goal for the Islanders, who beat Colorado 5-3 in New York on Nov. 30.