Tempers flare as Wheeler, Chiarot fight at 'intense' practice

Things got a little testy at Winnipeg Jets practice Saturday, as captain Blake Wheeler and defenseman Ben Chiarot exchanged punches.

The fight was witnessed by several reporters, including Pro Hockey Talk's Scott Billeck.

Neither player was hurt in the dust-up, and things cooled down pretty quickly - at least according to Mark Scheifele, who said the incident was simply the result of an "intense practice."

Mark Scheifele on the dust-up at Saturday's practice, and how quickly those involved get over it and move on. pic.twitter.com/RFnb22Rtku

- Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) March 24, 2018

Though head coach Paul Maurice warned the players not to fight, he suggested afterward that the altercation didn't bother him.

Paul Maurice said he wouldn't mind seeing a couple more incidents like the one today during the year. #NHLJets

- Scott Billeck (@ScottBilleck) March 24, 2018

The Jets recently reached 100 points for the first time in franchise history, and have eight games remaining before the playoffs begin. Their next contest is Sunday against the Central Division-leading Nashville Predators.

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