With the exception of Jayson Tatum, it appears Boston's local sports teams are all-in on the Bruins.
The New England Patriots held their first organized team activity session open to the media Thursday at Gillette Stadium, and several players -- including wide receiver Julian Edelman, cornerback Stephon Gilmore and special teamer Matthew Slater -- were seen rocking Bruins hats to show support for their NHL contemporaries as they prepare for the Stanley Cup Final.
The Patriots showing their support for the #NHLBruins this morning during OTA's with some new hats �� pic.twitter.com/p9EL9MUutC — NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) May 23, 2019
Patriots players and coaches all wore Bruins hats today. pic.twitter.com/u6z01nXNBj — Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) May 23, 2019
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Even Patriots head coach Bill Belichick showed his Boston sports spirit, donning a Bruins hat and sending well wishes to the Black and Gold ahead of Monday's Game 1 against the St. Louis Blues.
Bill Belichick wearing a Bruins cap. Opens his media availability by wishing them luck in the Stanley Cup finals. pic.twitter.com/kJqZhGFM3g — Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) May 23, 2019
"Proud of what they're doing, and wish them the very best in this next series," Belichick said. "They've played great, but this will be a great opportunity for them, and we'll be here cheering them on."
The Patriots have backed the B's throughout their Stanley Cup run, with Edelman and center David Andrews both serving as Boston's honorary banner captains (and beer-chuggers) for home playoff games.
Belichick also offered more tangible support to Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy, who sought advice from the Patriots coach and other Boston-area coaches (i.e. the Red Sox's Alex Cora and the Celtics' Brad Stevens) about how they've handled their postseason runs.
The Bruins will take the ice Monday night at TD Garden for Game 1 and also will play Game 2 in Boston next Wednesday. The Red Sox did their part Thursday morning by moving their Wednesday game up an hour so fans can watch the B's battle the Blues for the Cup.
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