Detroit Red Wings All-Time Team and Line Combinations
Vladimir Konstantinov
Vladimir Konstantinov is one of the most tragic figures in the history of Detroit sports. As many Detroit sports fans are aware, Konstantinov, along with Viacheslav Fetisov and the team masseur Sergei Mnatsakanov were involved in a terrible limousine accident on June 13 1997. Their limo ran straight into a tree while the three were celebrating the Detroit Red Wings’ Stanley Cup victory. The accident robbed Konstatinov of his ability to walk, and a gave him a traumatic brain injury.
If any good came out of that tragic event, it was the team’s response to the incident. For the entirity of the 1997-98 season, the Red Wings left Konstantinov’s locker untouched and left his jersey hanging. The team rallied around the loss of their teammate, and made it their goal to repeat as Stanley Cup Champions, so that he could come out on the ice and celebrate with the Cup one more time.
When the team accomplished the feat, sweeping the Washington Capitals in four games, captain Steve Yzerman presented Konstantiov with the cup. In what can only be described as the most heartwarming moment in NHL history, Yzerman pushed the Cup wielding Konstantinov and his wheelchair around the ice.
That event alone makes Konstantiov worthy of this list; but he was a heck of a defenseman too. Over the course of his five NHL seasons with the Red Wings, Konstantinov emerged as a stud defenseman. Despite only having a 5’11 frame, Konstantinov could throw his weight around like a freight train; often throwing absolutely devastating open ice hits.
In addition to his hitting ability, Konstantinov proved himself more than capable in the offensive zone as well. Over the course of his five year career, Konstantinov played 446 games, accumulated 175 points, and won two Stanley Cup Championships.