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Video: Tyler Johnson’s hat trick helps defeat Avalanche

Tampa Bay Lightning v New Jersey Devils

<>during the first period of an NHL hockey game at Prudential Center on December 14, 2013 in Newark, New Jersey.

Paul Bereswill

Tyler Johnson snuffed out any chance of a Colorado Avalanche comeback, and did so by recording his first ever hat trick in the National Hockey League.

Johnson, who stands only five-foot-nine-inches tall, opened the scoring in a wild second period, then scored two goals just two minutes and 17 seconds apart in the third to help the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 5-2 win over the visiting Avalanche on Saturday.

Avalanche goalie Sami Aittokallio was making just his second NHL appearance. He was pulled after the second period, allowing three goals on 18 shots. It continued a trend of difficulty for goalies on this night. Sergei Bobrovsky was pulled in the Columbus Blue Jackets’ loss to Buffalo, while James Reimer and Carey Price were each given the hook in their respective games, as well.

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