clayjoh 3 Report post Posted April 18, 2009 With all the whoopla of the start of the playoffs I still remember back to the original cup team of 96 -97 and the feel we had then with Konstantinov on Defense Vladdy had the heart of a lion much more so than any other russian I've ever seen since Remeber how he used to line guys up for absolutely devastating mid ice hits ? Remember the beauty he laid on HAwerchuck in the finals It's just sad to think of what might have been ..to have had a warrior like him with us for the last 12 years or so He was one of a kind in my opinion Sure glad the organization still helps him along If they need some Chris Farley type Motivational stuff this year they should bring out a highlight reel of Vladdy for the youngsters in the dressing room to watch He was a special player Feel free to reminisce.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vladifan 680 Report post Posted April 18, 2009 (edited) With all the whoopla of the start of the playoffs I still remember back to the original cup team of 96 -97 and the feel we had then with Konstantinov on Defense Vladdy had the heart of a lion much more so than any other russian I've ever seen since Remeber how he used to line guys up for absolutely devastating mid ice hits ? Remember the beauty he laid on HAwerchuck in the finals It's just sad to think of what might have been ..to have had a warrior like him with us for the last 12 years or so He was one of a kind in my opinion Sure glad the organization still helps him along If they need some Chris Farley type Motivational stuff this year they should bring out a highlight reel of Vladdy for the youngsters in the dressing room to watch He was a special player Feel free to reminisce.... Thanks for your post. I think that's a great idea to have a highlight reel of him and his history with the Wings. In fact, I'd buy it. IN FACT, I wish they'd do a whole DVD on the Russian Five and their years with the Wings. Next to Lidstrom, he's the best defensive player since I've seen since I started following them in '94. Thanks again. Edited April 18, 2009 by Vladifan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Shoreline Report post Posted April 18, 2009 (edited) I don't worry about what it would have been, just was happy to be around as a Wings fan at the time he was playing to enjoy his contribution to the team. Everyone who plays hockey, or gets into a car, knows the risks, and I'm sure he looks back on it now and appreciates not only the support he got but the fact that he's still alive. That accident could have been worse. Edited April 18, 2009 by Shoreline Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Broken 16 381 Report post Posted April 18, 2009 I miss Vladdy every game. Regular season or playoffs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
titanium2 867 Report post Posted April 18, 2009 I don't know about a DVD since they were only together for about 2 and some years. But definitely like a half hour spotlight special or something like they did for Lidstrom, Zetterberg and Datsyuk. The Wings themselves like to compare Kronwall to Vladdy and with all due respect I think it's unfair to Kronwall because to me Vladdy was first and foremost a pest. Opponents hated to play against him and Vladdy relished that. When you think of Nik Kronwall, you don't really think of a pest but rather a guy who will probably thread the needle with a pass. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eva unit zero 271 Report post Posted April 18, 2009 I don't worry about what it would have been, just was happy to be around as a Wings fan at the time he was playing to enjoy his contribution to the team. Everyone who plays hockey, or gets into a car, knows the risks, and I'm sure he looks back on it now and appreciates not only the support he got but the fact that he's still alive. That accident could have been worse. Looking back on it, it also makes me never want to declare a favorite defensive pair again. The last time I declared a favorite defensive pair on the Wings; which to this date is still my favorite pairing since they were put together; is the Konstantinov/Chiasson pairing that played together from early in the 91-92 season through the end of the 93-94 season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
servo 15 Report post Posted April 18, 2009 He certainly was the closest thing that we have had with a Scott Stevens like grit. He laid out a ton of guys with mean ripping hip checks. I wonder how many interference calls he would get in today's NHL? I think it is fair to say that if Vladdy was still a Wing, we would likely have won another cup. He was such a difference maker. There hasn't been a player like Konstantinov since. Mean, gritty, skilled, strong on the puck but he wasn't dirty. He could hound you closer than your own shadow and wear you out. Man I miss watching him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shoe 165 Report post Posted April 18, 2009 Lidstrom Konstantinov Raffalski Fisher Kronwall Erricson Chelios Imagine a world without those 2 tragic accidents. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kronthewall55 14 Report post Posted April 18, 2009 Lidstrom Konstantinov Raffalski Fisher Kronwall Erricson Chelios Imagine a world without those 2 tragic accidents. As great of a line up that would be, I don't believe chelios would of ever became a wing if it wasn't for what happened to vladdy. And with fisch and vladdy all still here rafalski probably wouldn't be here either. but then again you could say that about anyone if history changed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shoe 165 Report post Posted April 18, 2009 Thats why I left out stuart lebda and Meech but i know what you mean you cant play what if but what if? Oh my! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest mindfly Report post Posted April 18, 2009 Konstantinov would have been 42 years old, doubt that he would have played by now.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
egroen 384 Report post Posted April 18, 2009 (edited) What amazed me about Konstantinov's devastating hits is that he rarely went out of position to deliver them. Just a really smart player who was also capable of beautiful passes - his overall game was a little underrated because he did not see as much power play time. Edited April 18, 2009 by egroen Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Doggy 130 Report post Posted April 18, 2009 Konstantinov would have been 42 years old, doubt that he would have played by now.. As if you even know who Valddy is. Lol. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
therock48880 14 Report post Posted April 18, 2009 The guy was amazing. He was a +60 one year. That's unheard of. He was better than Stevens and much better than Kronwall. I mention those two because they're the ones he seems to be compared to most often. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
egroen 384 Report post Posted April 18, 2009 Despite Konstantinov's style of play, he was rarely injured -- Stevens, also, enjoyed a long career. I wouldn't be suprised if he would have still been playing today. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest mindfly Report post Posted April 18, 2009 As if you even know who Valddy is. Lol. As if you even know what hockey is. Lol. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vladyfan 0 Report post Posted April 18, 2009 My favorite Konstantinov memory was getting to meet him Spring of 1996. He was at Gibraltor doing autographs. There was a HUGE line and he was just sitting there signing and smiling (remember, his English was not good). I finally got my chance. I shoved my jersey at him and asked him to 'do me a favor'. He got this horrified look on his face. Like what the hell does that crazy girl want? I asked him to lay out Claude Lemieux next time they played. Remember, this was right after THE FIGHT. He let it sink in what I said, then got this HUGE HUGE grin. He said 'I DO THAT for YOU'! And he did.... check it out.... here it is on youtube. Notice too, my name is VLADYFAN and my email has been for 15 years..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Doggy 130 Report post Posted April 18, 2009 As if you even know what hockey is. Lol. Ya got me there. Although...... I do know how offsides works. You're never gonna live that one down. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChitownWingsfan 54 Report post Posted April 19, 2009 Gotta pour some out for my boy, we miss you! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VladyIBELIEVE16 257 Report post Posted April 19, 2009 I will always miss Vladdy on the ice. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vladifan 680 Report post Posted April 19, 2009 What amazed me about Konstantinov's devastating hits is that he rarely went out of position to deliver them. Just a really smart player who was also capable of beautiful passes - his overall game was a little underrated because he did not see as much power play time. All true. His play - especially his hits - also reminds me of the old adage about bees. They're really too heavy to fly, but nobody told the bees about what they're not possibly capable of. By most standards of enforcers/goons/hitters, Konstantinov was really not big enough to do what he did. That's where the heart came from. That's where the warrior instinct came from. Nobody. Nothing was going to keep him from his appointed rounds. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites