Don Cherry Picks The Kings To Win The Cup Because They Have Fewer European Players

Last year, an academic study tapped Don Cherry as the new face of Canadian Nationalism. The world recoiled in horror, not least of all Canadians themselves. (I know. I asked them all.) But Grapes's geographical jingoism is something you kind of have to tune out, because at least it doesn't affect his hockey analysis. Until it does.

From last night's CBC pregame show, as relayed and analyzed by Backhand Shelf:

"You know why I'm picking them? 23 North Americans, 14 Canadians, 8 guys from Ontario – heart and character, that's why they're going to win."

Heart and character: two things you only have if your passport has a blue cover.

Cherry's prediction came incrementally true: the Kings did indeed win game 1, with a nifty overtime breakaway goal from Anze Kopitar, who was born and raised in Slovenia, which I believe is just south of Fort McMurray.

Breaking: Don Cherry is nationalistic and wrong [Backhand Shelf]