Ex-Announcer Explains How Great Vladimir Konstantinov’s Was

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Ex-Announcer Explains How Great Vladimir Konstantinov’s Was

Former Detroit Red Wings announcer Mike Goldberg reflected on Vladimir Konstantinov’s career and the greatness he might have achieved. Konstantinov’s career was tragically cut short after the Detroit’ Stanley Cup victory in 1997.

Less than a week after winning the Cup, Konstantinov was involved in a limousine accident following a team celebration. Goldberg believes that, had the accident not occurred, the Russian defenseman was on a path to legendary status.

Konstantinov, then 30, was a member of the Red Wings’ famed ‘Russian Five’, alongside Sergei Federov, Slava Fetisov, Slava Kozlov, and Igor Larionov. The defenseman was reliable on both ends of the ice and played an important role in the team’s success.

Goldberg, who called Red Wings games during the 1996-97 season, believes Konstantinov had not yet reached his peak. He added that the Russian defenseman was on track for Hall of Fame recognition.

“[Konstantinov] was the most dangerous player on the Red Wings and he was one of the most dangerous players, in a clean way, in the entire [NHL],” Goldberg told The Game Plan. “Vladdy was the destruction machine, [he] would hit everything, and he was physical. He could crush people, but he also had the mobility, the puck movement skills, defensive skills.”

He added:

[Konstantinov], very likely would have been a Hall of Fame player. He was that good.”

GettyVladimir Konstantinov Hoisting the Stanley Cup in 1997

Ex-Red Wings Announcer Mike Goldberg Recalls Vladimir Konstantinov’s Tragic Accident

Mike Goldberg still remembers where he was when he learned about Vladimir Konstantinov‘s tragic accident. The Red Wings players had just celebrated their Stanley Cup victory and prepared to go their separate ways for the offseason.

Konstantinov was involved in a limousine accident. He was a passenger, along with Red Wings teammate Slava Fetisov and team physical therapist Sergei Mnatsakanov. Konstantinov and Mnatsakanov suffered life-altering injuries, while Fetisov escaped with minor injuries.

Goldberg reflected on the accident and voiced frustration over the circumstances.

“I was at a bar with a bunch of friends and all the players had their last get together at the golf course, and they all had limousines,” Goldberg told The Game Plan. “They did it right. That’s what is most heartbreaking,”

He added:

“To see Vladdy the way he is today, it’s just one of life’s sad things. It’s sad because the team was doing it right,” Goldberg said. “They were having their beers, they were having their last laugh, but none of them were driving.”

Golberg Praises Red Wings for Keeping Konstantinov Involved

Goldberg also praised the Red Wings for keeping Konstantinov involved with the organization. The team has honored him at multiple games and included him in their 1998 and 2002 Stanley Cup celebrations.

Most recently, Konstantinov joined his former teammates on the ice for Federov’s jersey retirement.

“The Red Wings have done a very good job with keeping Vladdy in the mix. Obviously, the Russian Five will always do so,” Goldberg said during his appearance on The Game Plan. “To see him still around and still able to understand enough and get that smile from [Federov] and acknowledge as much as he can, it’s heartwarming.”

Giancarlo Aulino Giancarlo Aulino is sports writer who covers UFC for Heavy.com. He began writing for Heavy in 2025 after providing MMA coverage for Sportskeeda. Giancarlo is an experienced journalist and interviewer, having covered soccer clubs Toronto FC and Inter Toronto FC as a full-season reporter, and also producing sports coverage for Toronto radio station VIBE 105.5FM.
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