Either xenophobia or reverse ageism is going to take a hit by the conclusion of this year's Stanley Cup final. If the Detroit Red Wings emerge victorious, then defenceman Nicklas Lidstrom, a Swede, will gain the honour of being the first European to captain an NHL team to a Cup.
"It would be something special, but it's not why I want to win the Stanley Cup," said Lidstrom recently. "I'd love to win it again because I've done it in the past and I know what it's like to lift the Cup. You want to get that feeling back again."
All those who argue that only Canadians, or at least North Americans, are up to the task of leading an NHL team would have some explaining to do. But if Lidstrom and the Wings fail, then Pittsburgh centre Sidney Crosby will be receiving the Cup from commissioner Gary Bettman, and the 20-year-old Penguin will hold the distinction of being the youngest captain to ever lead a team to the promised land.
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