Maple Leafs' Phil Kessel, David Booth get in shoving match at practice

Toronto Maple Leafs forwards Phil Kessel and David Booth got in a spirited shoving match during practice on Friday.

Toronto Maple Leafs forwards Phil Kessel and David Booth got in a spirited shoving match during practice on Friday.

No punches were thrown before the players were separated by teammates. 

“Guys gotta compete in practice, and I think that’s a good thing," interim head coach Peter Horachek said, according to the CBC. "That’s a regular thing that used to happen all the team with most teams. Teams need to compete in practice, and that’s just the way it is. It’s part of the game.”

• Panthers' Nick Bjugstad (back surgery) out for season​

The Leafs (27-42-6) currently have the fourth-worst record in the NHL. Their next game is Saturday against the Ottawa Senators at home. 

- Dan Gartland