Wings’ Star Shows Signs Of Recovery

Vladimir Konstantinov wiggled his toes and opened his eyes in response to commands in Russian on Wednesday, five days after a limo accident left the Detroit Red Wings defenseman in a coma.

“We can’t guarantee that he’ll have a full recovery,” said Dr.

Karol Zakalik, a neurosurgeon. “But it certainly makes me much more optimistic than many similar head injuries like his,” Both Konstantinov, 30, and team masseur Sergei Mnatsakanov, 43, remained comatose and breathing through ventilators. Doctors at William Beaumont Hospital hope the two men escaped severe brain damage.

Tests showed Konstantinov sustained no brain swelling, and blood was flowing well to his brain.

Konstantinov, Mnatsakanov and defenseman Viacheslav Fetisov were returning from a golf outing when the limousine, driven by an unlicensed driver, crossed over two lanes, jumped a curb, careened off a pole and slammed into a tree.

None of the passengers was wearing a seat belt.

Witnesses said the limousine brakes were never used. Police said Tuesday the driver, Richard Gnida, may have dozed off. Gnida was released from the hospital Sunday. Fetisov was released Wednesday.