BOSTON -- In the midst of an eight-game winless skid, and one of the worst seasons in franchise history, the Bruins won't go down without a fight -- literally. 

Down 2-1 late in the second period, the Bruins' Jeffrey Viel asked the Capitals' Dylan McIlrath to drop the gloves at center ice. 

The two exchanged punches and both landed some intense shots. No doubt it was one of the better bouts we've seen at TD Garden in a long time. 

It worked because David Pastrnak tied the game at 2-2 with 2:48 remaining in the second period.