Please explain NHL "scrums"

[blues2112]

Actual fisticuffs are rare, yet "scrums" happen nearly every game.

Seems the players rarely drop gloves or sticks. Did NHL institute new rules about that? FWIW, in USA Hockey, simply dropping gloves was/is (I'm retired) five and a game.

Seems even face washes with a "stinky leather mitt" is rare.

Aside from the rules, the "scrums" simply look like posturing or theater.

Or, am I missing something (quite likely)?

[theograce]

Scrums are usually from a single incident like slashing a goaltender or a buildup of tension over a period. Sometimes one guy starts it to create energy too. These guys are whacking and chirping each other all game.

It’s never theater.