Rantanen’s hat trick gives Avalanche win at New Jersey to begin second half

Kathy Willens, The Associated Press Mikko Rantanen (96) high-fives teammates after scoring one of his three goals against the New Jersey Devils on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, in Newark, N.J. NEWARK, N.J. — The Avalanche opened the second half of its season Saturday night with its 25th victory in its 42nd game, defeating the New Jersey Devils 5-2 at the Prudential Center.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) skates with the puck during the first period of the team’s NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, in Newark, N.J.Colorado got a hat trick from winger Mikko Rantanen — the final one on an empty net with eight seconds left — and one goal each from…