Igor Larionov

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Larionov was one of the Red Wings' "Russian Five" in the mid-1990s. He and Fetisov were looked on as father figures by the team's other Russian players, which included Sergei Fedorov, Vyacheslav Kozlov and Vladimir Konstantinov. Larionov was an integral part of the Red Wings' back to back Stanley Cup Championships in 1997 and 1998. That summer, Larionov and his Russian teammates made history by bringing the famed Cup home to Russia for the first time ever. In 2000, Larionov signed with the Florida Panthers, where he was re-united with Pavel Bure. It was a disaster, though, and Larionov was traded back to Detroit before the end of the season. He helped the Red Wings to the 2002 Stanley Cup championship, and made his mark on the 2002 Stanley Cup Final by scoring the winning goal in triple overtime of game three against the Carolina Hurricanes. Detroit would win the series in five games.

In Their Own Story

The tension was palpable in the 2002 Stanley Cup Final. In Game 3 against the Carolina Hurricanes, the game remained deadlocked deep into triple overtime. Igor Larionov, the veteran centre known for his patience and vision, seized the moment. He broke through the defense and scored the winning goal, securing a crucial victory for Detroit. The Red Wings went on to win the series in five games, claiming their third Stanley Cup of the era. This goal cemented Larionov's legacy as a clutch performer who could deliver when it mattered most. It was a fitting climax to a career that had seen him lead revolutions in hockey politics and dominate international play before conquering North America.

Reader's Guide

Larionov began his career in the Soviet League with Khimik Voskresensk in 1977–78. He joined CSKA Moscow as the top-line centre between Vladimir Krutov and Sergei Makarov, forming the "KLM Line". After eight years of voicing his discontent, Larionov was allowed to join the Vancouver Canucks in 1989–90. He played three years for the Canucks, then a year in Switzerland, then was claimed by the San Jose Sharks in 1992. During the 1995–96 season, the Sharks traded Larionov to the Detroit Red Wings. He played his final NHL season for the New Jersey Devils in 2003–04, and finished his career by playing two games for the Swedish team Brunflo IK in 2005–06.

Did You Know?

• Larionov won two Olympic gold medals (1984, 1988) for the Soviet Union and one bronze for Russia (2002).
• He is one of only six players to have won Olympic Gold, World Championship Gold, a Stanley Cup, Canada/World Cup, and World Junior Championship Gold.
• Larionov's winning goal in triple overtime of game three of the 2002 Stanley Cup Final is often linked to his wine label 'Triple Overtime', though this claim is unverified and likely apocryphal.