Celebrating 100 Years of the Detroit Red Wings
As the Detroit Red Wings celebrate 100 years in the NHL, the franchise reflects on its rich history while continuing to build towards the future. The Red Wings, recognized as the top-performing NHL team in the United States, have created countless memorable moments over the decades while featuring legendary player lineups that are still fondly remembered today.
Legendary Player Lineups
Among these historical player groups is the famed “Production Line”, comprising Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay, and Sid Abel, who secured several championships for Detroit during the mid-1900s.
The legacy of powerful player combinations continued with the unforgettable “Russian Five”, which included hockey stars Sergei Fedorov, Vladimir Konstantinov, Slava Kozlov, Slava Fetisov, and Igor Larionov. Furthermore, such eras produced the notorious “Grind Line”—a term introduced by long-serving team trainer John Wharton. Head coach Scotty Bowman crafted this unique line, inspired by New Jersey’s “Crash Line,” pairing Kris Draper with wingers Kirk Maltby and Joey Kocur, followed later by Darren McCarty.
Kirk Maltby’s Journey
Maltby, drafted in the third round by the Edmonton Oilers in 1992, found himself traded to the Red Wings in March 1996. Initially, this move was bittersweet for Maltby, who was reluctant to leave the Oilers, a young team searching for success.
“We were not good, but I was happy there because I had friends and we were all trying to grow together,”
he expressed. However, joining a seasoned contender like Detroit was an easy transition after witnessing their talent.
“The Red Wings were formidable, featuring stars like Stevie Yzerman and Nick Lidstrom,”
Maltby recalled. Though concerned about his new role, once he settled in, Maltby became part of a harmonious unit that showcased a blend of talent and grit. He stressed the importance of a balanced team in hockey, requiring various player types to achieve success.
The Grind Line’s Impact
The Grind Line was instrumental during the 1997 Stanley Cup Playoffs, overcoming teams like the St. Louis Blues and the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. In a dramatic turn, the Red Wings faced their key rivals, the Colorado Avalanche, in a series marked by intensity. Maltby’s performance in Game 4 was so impactful that he earned a cover on “Sports Illustrated” after netting two goals.
“It was surreal how everything came together for us during that playoff run,”
Maltby noted, emphasizing how they embraced their role as a formidable unit. The Grind Line actually debuted during the 1997 Stanley Cup Finals against the Philadelphia Flyers, where Maltby scored an early goal that helped set the tone for the series.
Tragedy and Triumph
Tragically, just days after winning the Stanley Cup, the team learned of a devastating accident involving Konstantinov, the team’s star defenseman, and masseuse Sergei Mnatsakanov. Konstantinov survived but faced life-changing injuries, which deeply affected the team. Maltby expressed disbelief over the timing of the accident following their major victory, underscoring the emotional toll it had on everyone involved.
Despite the darkness of that period, the team continued to honor Konstantinov, including significant moments during future championship celebrations. Maltby expressed remorse over the accident, stating that many players would have willingly given back the Cup for the health of their cherished teammate.
“In every sense, that Cup was about him; we played for him, and his spirit remained with us, echoing through every victory,”
Maltby explained.
In the aftermath, the Red Wings went on to repeat as champions in 1998, with an emotional moment when they celebrated with a wheelchair-bound Konstantinov on the ice, holding the Stanley Cup.
Legacy and Future
Maltby’s career continued under Bowman’s exceptional guidance, contributing to the team’s success for years to come. Although the Red Wings achieved further accolades, the loss of Fedorov to free agency in 2003 left a significant void. Maltby acknowledged the skill and impact of Fedorov, admitting that no replacement could replicate his unique contributions to the game.
