1997-98

Just six days after winning the 1997 Stanley Cup, defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov and team masseur Sergei Mnatsakonov were in a limousine that was involved in a major accident. The limo was driven by Richard Gnida, who was driving with a suspended license at the time. Konstantinov and Mnatsakonov were both critically injured; Konstantinov's injuries ended his career. The Red Wings wore a patch in honor of the two Russians. When the Red Wings advanced to the Stanley Cup Final, the patch was relocated to the left shoulder to make way for the Stanley Cup Final patch.