Who Should Bruins Fans Root For in The Stanley Cup Final?

The 2021 Stanley Cup Final will feature the defending champs Tampa Bay Lightning and the Montreal Canadiens. Both teams are very exciting to watch and this series could be a battle. For Bruins fans though, both these teams are big rivals of the Bruins. So who should Bruins fans root for during the Cup final? The Red Sox of course.

A Bounce Back Season

The shortened 2020 season was not kind to the Red Sox, finishing in the basement of the AL East. With no more Mookie Betts or manager Alex Cora in 2020, the Red Sox just did not seem as if they had the same compete level. Now in 2021, its the exact opposite story. As of June 27th sit just a half game back from Tampa Bay for the lead in the AL East.

The Red Sox have had quite the first half of the season. Not many people expected Boston to play this well especially after last season’s showing. The return of Alex Cora and the play of some of the Red Sox key players are the driving force behind this bounce back. Players like shortstop Xander Bogaerts and third baseman Rafi Devers have been playing at an All-Star level to help propel the Sox to 46-wins.

Exciting Players

The previously mentioned Bogaerts and Devers are not the only Red Sox playing at an all star level. Outfielder Alex Verdugo and designated hitter J.D. Martinez also have been putting up very respectable numbers. These four players have served as the two through five spots in the batting order and all of them have consistently getting on base and batting in runs. This part of the line up may just be one of the most feared by pitchers right now.

Even the Red Sox who will miss out on Colorado this year are exciting to watch. Former Tampa Bay Ray, Hunter Renfroe has not only been solid at the plate, but has been stellar defensively in the outfield. It seems as though Renfroe can throw a runner out at home from anywhere in right field. The pitching staff as well has been impressive. Whether its starters like Nick Pivetta and Eduardo Rodríguez or closer, Matt Barnes, the Sox have impressed on the mound this year.

Why the Red Sox Over the Cup?

Bruins fans should still watch the Stanley Cup Final should they so please. But with their divisional rival and one of their arch-rivals playing for the Cup, it may just feel weird to watch. With the Sox impressing this year, Bruins fans hesitant to pick sides for the Cup Final have the option to watch another exciting hometown team. It may be petty, but it should also prevent Bruins fans from throwing up in their own mouths when thinking about rooting for either of the Cup finalists.

Since this is technically hockey article though, Bruins fans should gravitate towards Tampa Bay if they were to pick sides. Tampa Bay may be a fierce divisional rival, but they are not the arch rivals of the Bruins. Bruins fans should still remember though that watching the Red Sox may just be best option during the Cup Final.

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