It started with a fight and ended with an assist. By the time the final buzzer sounded, Charlie McAvoy notched another pair of firsts.

Fifty-three seconds into the third period of Monday’s 7-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, McAvoy dropped the gloves with Blue Jackets forward Pierre-Luc Dubois in the first career fight for both men. The bout started after Dubois took exception with McAvoy’s high hit seconds beforehand.

“That definitely wasn’t something I thought about. I came from college hockey, so there was no fighting, nothing like that,” McAvoy said following the win.

“I knew that the way I play, the way I try and play hard, and I play on the physical side, so I knew that sometimes you’re going to have to kind of answer the bell I guess. Like I said, it happened really quick, it’s something that I wasn’t looking for, but I was there, and I was just trying to protect myself and try and keep momentum on our side.”

After serving five for fighting and two minutes for an illegal check to the head, the former Boston University standout picked up an assist on Danton Heinen’s eighth of the season. Combining the fight and assist with his second period power play goal, McAvoy earned himself another first: a Gordie Howe hat trick.

“It definitely wasn’t even on the list. I know that I try to play the game with a lot of passion, and that’s something he was doing too,” McAvoy said. “Stuff like that is going to happen. There’s been times along the line this year where something that might have happened, but tonight it just did. It happened really quick, and I felt like I was able to protect myself pretty well.”

McAvoy’s teammates surely appreciated his efforts. All four of the guys on the ice skated to the box and had something to say to McAvoy following his fight. Not bad for a 19-year old playing in his first full NHL season.

“Well, he’s a big, strong kid, and you know, their young guy was defending himself too,” David Backes said.

“I think it was great to see from a couple young guys to play a little old school hockey, and both guys I think showed themselves well, and that’s half the battle is showing up, and I think both teams were pleasantly surprised with their guys standing up for themselves, and you know, we ended I think even picking up further from there, so great job by him. Gordie Howe hat trick, you know, as a 19-year-old, and couldn’t be happier for him and great team win tonight.”

McAvoy has been nothing short of excellent this season. That doesn’t come as a surprise, especially after his performance in last year’s first-round loss to the Ottawa Senators.

The rookie defenseman has logged key minutes against some of the league’s marquee players. At just 19, McAvoy has already shown a maturity level that some players take years to develop. With just 37 NHL games under his belt, it’s safe to say the Bruins have found a diamond in the rough with McAvoy.

Monday taught us one thing. McAvoy can score, he can pass and he can fight.

After 37 regular season games, one can say that McAvoy can “Gordie Howe.”