Today In NHL History - Fire Destroys Wild's Gear

On December 18th in 2009, the red hot Minnesota Wild fell victim to a truck blaze during an Ottawa road trip incinerating players' bags, including that of goaltenders Backstrom and Harding.

Equipment managers were immediately sent home to collect backup gear while players scrambled locally to replace knee braces, skates, and other protective necessities in anticipation of Saturday night's game with the Ottawa Senators.

Practice equipment arrived the next day forcing players to expedite the normal week or month long break-in process to mere hours. The cause of the fire, sparked during a five minute drive from the Kanata Recreation Complex to Scotiabank Place, appears to be accidental.

Ottawa beat Minnesota the next day by a score of 4-1.

That's today in NHL history.