COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 13 (UPI) -- Joe Sakic recorded the first natural hat trick in the history of the Colorado Avalanche, who coasted to a 5-1 rout of the Columbus Blue Jackets Thursday night.
The last natural hat trick in franchise history was accomplished by defenseman Bryan Fogarty on Dec. 1, 1990, when the team was known as the Quebec Nordiques.
Set up by Steven Reinprecht, Sakic did his scoring in a 10-minute span of the first period. At 6:04, he put a wrist shot past the glove of former Avalanche goaltender Marc Denis. Just over five minutes later, the long-time Colorado captain struck on a one-timer.
Sakic capped his 12th career hat trick at 16:21 with his 24th goal of the season.
Bates Bataglia, who was acquired from Carolina before Tuesday's trade deadline, picked up his first assist for the Avalanche on Sakic's second goal.
Milan Hejduk scored his team-leading 41st goal 25 seconds into the second period before David Ling got the Blue Jackets on the board.
Defenseman Greg de Vries finished the scoring midway through the third period as the Avalanche improved to 11
1 all-time against Columbus.
Peter Forsberg set up de Vries' goal to extend his points streak to 10 games. Linemate Alex Tanguay had a pair of assists, giving him points in 18 of the last 19 contests.
Columbus has just two wins in its last 14 games and has been held to two goals or fewer 10 times during that span.
