Andrew Benintendi Continuing to Root for Blues Over Bruins in Stanley Cup Finals is a Bold Strategy

Fans of Boston sports teams expect their athletes to support each other unfailingly, especially during championship runs.

That's what makes Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi's public choice to root for the St. Louis Blues over the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup Finals such a bold move.

Andrew Benintendi rocking a Ryan Reaves Blues jersey #HockeyGuy pic.twitter.com/07LYs3xzku
— Mark Garbino (@MarkGarbino) September 14, 2017

The 24-year-old isn't a native of St. Louis, but his girlfriend is, and he now resides there in the offseason, making the decision at the very least understandable.

However, Benintendi's choice to root for the Blues is tantamount to treason in the eyes of the fans. It would be one thing if the Blues were squaring off against a different opponent, but the fact that their cross-ice competitors are the Bruins makes him a candidate for alienation.

For goodness sakes, Benny even traveled to New York on the Sox recent Bruins-themed road trip WEARING HIS BLUES GEAR. Who let this happen? Boggles the mind.

#RedSox leaving Fenway with their Bruins gear on. But Andrew Benintendi, who lives in St. Louis in the offseason, stayed with a blue St. Louis t-shirt.
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) May 30, 2019

It doesn't help his case that he's struggling to produce out of the leadoff spot for a Red Sox team that's been spinning its wheels following their 2018 World Series win.

Andrew Benintendi is the only Red Sox player leaving Fenway Park without a Bruins jersey, he in fact is wearing a St. Louis Blues jersey.
— Boston Strong (@BostonStrong_34) May 30, 2019

But there's a certain sense of respect in order for his unflinching individualism.

He hasn't bent to the whim of the fans, and when the dust settles in the Stanley Cup Finals, he might end up as the happiest player on the team.