Ducks players start throwing punches at Coyotes bench and all Hell breaks loose!

In case you missed it last night, the Arizona Coyotes managed to easily get past the Anaheim Ducks 4-1 in preseason action. Both teams dressed a mix of rookie and veteran talent and played a very West Coast, smash 'em up, grind 'em down type of hockey. Late in the game though tempers boiled over when Ducks players Nicolas Deslauriers and Max Jones appeared to initiate contact with Coyotes forward Boko Imama, who happened to be on his own team's bench. 

While Imama was out of the play, that didn't seem to matter to himself or to his opponents because everyone involved just began throwing punches. Imama's teammates on the bench joined in and what we got was an old fashioned brouhaha! 

Check it out:

Ah... you love to see it.

The leaves changing colour, the cool Autumn breeze and the sound of sticks and gloves hitting the ice... the sounds of Fall.

In all seriousness, how great is it that hockey season is just around the corner? Here's hoping that the NHL can have somewhat of a "normal" season this year after two straight seasons of scheduling shutdowns and logistical nightmares. The fans will be back in most NHL buildings and the schedule is somewhat normal for the first time in a long time. Personally, I'm looking forward to some good, old fashioned hockey on the television this season.

As for the Ducks and Coyotes in particular, if you're a fan of either of these teams you'd have to be an eternal optimist to like their chances heading into the 2021-22 NHL season. Sure, both teams have some good young pieces who could take the next step in their development, but the truth is that neither team has the requisite talent and skill to support that young talent. The fact of the matter is that both the Coyotes and the Ducks are likely looking at this season as a chance for their young talent to get a bit of experience and hopefully show some signs that they'll be ready to turn the corner in the next few seasons. Here's hoping!