Oilers' Desharnais answers the bell after throwing huge hit in heavyweight fight

Moments ago in tonight's high-flying game between the Avalanche and Oilers, the physicality started pouring out too with a massive fight between two heavyweight defenceman, Vincent Desharnais and Josh Manson. Desharnais threw a massive hit earlier in the game which flipped the switch for Manson, who forced him to answer the bell.

In a scrum along the boards, Manson pulled Desharnais out of the crowd and the two defenceman well over 6'2 began absolutely chucking ‘em. Manson was able to wrestle Desharnais down, but he got back up and continued the fight with a few nasty uppercuts. After wrestling a bit more afterwards, the two slowed down and began to separate on their own. Interestingly enough, Josh Manson is the son of Desharnais' former coach - something that could have added a bit of personal edge to the fight.




Happening right at the end of the third period, this fight will be sure to seriously put a boost of energy into this game for the third period. In an extremely close matchup that could be a playoff preview, every edge will matter for both teams - especially physicality. Clearly, these two teams are sizing each other up for the postseason.