David Pastrnak’s Gordie Howe Hat Trick Against Tampa Might’ve Been His First Fight Ever

David Pastrnak is not known for throwing fists. He earned his first career fighting major when he tussled with Dan Girardi of the Tampa Bay Lightning in Thursday night's emotional 4-2 win at TD Garden. But it's not just his first fight in the pros - it may be his first fight ever.

In one of the most improbable outcomes of the Bruins' season, Pastrnak finished with the increasingly rare "Gordie Howe Hat Trick", which happens when a player records a goal, assist, and fight. Like the rest of the team and pretty much everyone in the arena wearing black & gold, "Pasta" got caught up in the emotion of the evening and boiled over when he and Girardi went at it. He was apparently upset with Girardi's hit on linemate Patrice Bergeron in the neutral zone.

When was the last time Pastrnak lost it like that?

"My fight? I don’t think I’ve fought ever ... like, ever," Pastrnak told reporters after the game. "Yeah I’m a pretty calmed down guy so it was fun."

Here's a look at the hit and ensuing Pastrnak fight, thanks to Guy Boston Sports:

Of course, Pastrnak got his Gordie Howe Hat Trick started with his late-first-period goal, which is standard operating procedure for him. And he completed it when he assisted on Brad Marchand's empty-netter.

All in all, it's great to see Pastrnak stick up for teammates and show some toughness in addition to his high-end skill. He's up to 76 points (32 goals, 44 assists) in as many games, and now he can add some old-time fisticuffs to his resume.

-- By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com

Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.