Outlook Improves For Konstantinov’s Recovery Injured Teammate, Limo Driver May Be Released From Hospital

Vladimir Konstantinov remained in a coma Sunday following a limousine accident, but his doctor is encouraged that the Detroit Red Wings defenseman appears to be responding to the voices of his family and teammates.

“There is movement, there have been subtle signs of facial expression,” said Dr. James Robbins, a trauma surgeon at William Beaumont Hospital.

“There’s still reason for a lot of concern. But it’s an optimistic sign and it gives good reason to remain hopeful and optimistic that ultimately he is going to do well.”

Konstantinov, 30, and team masseur Sergei Mnatsakanov, 43, remained in critical condition and breathing with the help of ventilators. Mnatsakanov also was in a coma.

Two others, Wings defenseman Viacheslav Fetisov, 39, and limousine driver Richard Gnida, 28, remained in good condition and could be released today, Robbins said.

When asked whether Fetisov could resume his hockey career, Robbins said: “I don’t think I’m the one to make that kind of determination. But he looks awfully good to me.”

Robbins said it will take days and longer before doctors will have any indication of what kind of recovery Konstantinov and Mnatsakanov can make.

“In their situation, it’s primarily a waiting game,” he said.

Robbins has said he does not know whether Konstantinov, a finalist for the Norris Trophy awarded to the NHL’s best defenseman, might be able to play hockey again.

“We have certainly seen patients in much more serious condition, with worse head injuries, who have survived and done well and walked out of the hospital,” he said.

The limousine was carrying the three from a team golf outing Friday night when it slammed into a tree in a median. The outing was part of the players’ last day of group celebrations of their Stanley Cup victory six days earlier.