"Diplomacy is a Strength of the Detroit Red Wings" Beloved former Red Wing team masseur Sergei Mnatsakanov has passed away at the age of 71. Mnatsakanov—known around the dressing room as "Nasta"—was a member of the 1997 Stanley Cup winning team that quenched Detroit's 42 year Cup drought. Less than a week later, he suffered debilitating brain injuries in the same limousine accident that left Detroit defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov with the same injuries. During the Red Wings' subsequent 1998 run to back-to-back Cups, Detroit adopted the mantra "Believe," wearing patches on their jerseys bearing Konstantinov and Mnatsakanov's initials and "Believe/Верим." 06/07/1997: Detroit, Michigan, USA: Detroit Red Wings celebrate winning the Stanley Cup after Game 4 against the Philadelphia Flyers at Joe Louis Arena [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA4NzkzODE1MTYxNTEzMTMz/usatsi_17735706.jpg] 06/07/1997: Detroit, Michigan, USA: Detroit Red Wings celebrate winning the Stanley Cup after Game 4 against the Philadelphia Flyers at Joe Louis Arena The Red Wings released a statement, expressing their condolences to Mnatsakanov's widow Elena, as well as his sons Max and Art. Though Mnatsakanov, as support staff rather than a player, might not have carried the same prominence as Konstantinov, but the outpouring of support from Red Wings fans in response to the news of his passing makes clear that he was held just as dear to the city of Detroit. ALSO FROM THN DETROIT Red Wings Games to Remain on Bally Sports Detroit for 2024-25 Season [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news/red-wings-games-to-remain-on-bally-sports-detroit-for-2024-25-season] Little Caesars Arena Could Make History this Season [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/game-day/little-caesars-arena-could-make-history-this-season] From the Archive: How the 2020 Red Wings Changed the NHL's Draft Lottery [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news/from-the-archive-how-the-2020-red-wings-changed-the-nhls-draft-lottery] Two Red Wings Prospects Carrying Countries' Olympic Hopes [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/game-day/two-red-wings-prospects-carrying-countries-olympic-hopes] What Would a Bounce Back Year Look Like for Ville Husso? [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/players/what-would-a-bounce-back-year-look-like-for-ville-husso] Red Wings First Round Pick Off to Hot Start to SHL Preseason [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news/red-wings-first-round-pick-off-to-hot-start-to-shl-preseason] Three Burning Questions 1 Month Before Red Wings Training Camp [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/game-day/three-burning-questions-a-month-before-red-wings-training-camp] Griffins Sign Former Arizona Draft Pick to Two-Year Contract [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news/griffins-sign-former-arizona-draft-pick-to-two-year-contract] From the Archive: Rasmussen's Origin Story [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/latest-news/from-the-archive-rasmussens-origin-story] Raymond and Seider Tasked with Greater Leadership Roles in 2024-25 [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/game-day/raymond-and-seider-tasked-with-greater-leadership-roles-in-2024-25]