Who captained Detroit to the 2008 Stanley Cup, becoming the first European captain to win it?

Nicklas Lidstrom captained the Detroit Red Wings to the 2008 Stanley Cup, becoming the first European-born-and-trained captain to win it.

Detroit defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games in the 2008 Stanley Cup Final. Lidstrom, a Swedish defenseman, lifted the Cup after Game 6 in Pittsburgh and cemented a milestone that had eluded earlier European-born captains. His achievement is often shortened to “first European captain,” but the more precise description includes both birthplace and hockey training.

Earlier champions included Charlie Gardiner, born in Scotland, and Johnny Gottselig, born in Russia. However, both were trained in Canada, so Lidstrom was the first captain born and developed in Europe to lead an NHL team to the championship. The 2008 title was Lidstrom’s fourth Stanley Cup with Detroit, following championships in 1997, 1998, and 2002. He also won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2002 and seven Norris Trophies.