If the 2018-2019 Rangers were 2018 Albums

*This post was written by guest contributor Chris Camerino*

I love the Rangers and I love music, so I figured I would write a somewhat pointless article about both of them.  Here are some comparisons between our Blueshirts and albums that were released in 2018.

Henrik Lundqvist, like Judas Priest’s lead singer Rob Halford, has been on top of his game for a long time.  Like our favorite goaltender, Judas Priest is still doing great things and may have released one of their best albums yet in the form of Firepower.  It’s typical Priest, fast, heavy, and loud.  It is pretty similar to what they’ve done in the past, but if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.  The fact they’ve been at it for decades and are still putting out great music is a testament to their talent, much like a certain King. And if that doesn’t convince you, play some heavy metal to this GIF.

That has been the big thing this season hasn’t it? Play the kids and let them develop.  I will admit it has been one of the more exciting parts of this season.  Watching Lias, Howden, and Chytil have growing pains while having some really great moments has been fantastic.  Like our young trio, Kali Uchis crafted something that is fun and exciting, and pleasant on the ears.  I believe there are still some flaws and the album does slump at times but it’s really great for what it is.  I think her music will only improve as she hones her craft.  Here’s to hoping the kids do the same.

I wanted to like this album.  I really, truly did want to like it.  But it just, frankly, wasn’t very good.  This was the third full length album by Rocky and it was frankly disappointing.  Skjei has shown in the past how talented he is and how good of a defenseman he can be but it just doesn’t seem to be there as much this year.  There could be a few reasons for this, whether it be his defensive partners, a new system, or just growing pains.  I believe that Skjei, like Rocky, should improve and show us something exciting within the next few years.  They’re both too talented to not do so. Plus, Skjei’s got that swagger.

I know I’m gonna get some heat for this one, especially considering that Staal has been playing okay as of late.  The thing is though he still isn’t very good anymore.  He was once a really talented defenseman that I loved watching every game.  Now, it’s all passed him by.  The injuries and constant pucks to the body have taken their toll. Nas’ album Nasir had high expectations, it was produced by Kanye West and was being hyped up as the return of Nas.  The production was good but Nas was just off.  It seems like the hip hop world has passed him by and he hasn’t adapted going forward.  Like Staal, he’s a relic of a different era.  We can acknowledge them both but admit that their time doing what they do should be coming to an end soon. I miss the days when Nas and Staal could body people.

Hayes and Kreider have been up and down in their time with the Rangers, but this seems to be the year where they are really putting it together better than ever.  I believe that can be partially attributed to the playing time they get together.  Like Hayes and Kreider, Kid Cudi and Kanye West have had their shares of ups and downs when it comes their music (I’m not going to get into the stuff outside the music).  It seems though that when they came together to record an album under the name Kids See Ghosts, it really came together, creating the best work the two of them have done in years. It feels focused and cohesive, much like the play of two of our most talented forwards. The two may have some similarities to Cudi and Ye as well.  Cudi is a known user of a certain substance and I (along with most Rangers fans) am convinced our friend Kevin Hayes partakes in similar activities.  Also, I think Kreider (like Mr. West) likes to try and get under people’s skin, and it definitely works.

This is likely my album of the year, in the same tier as Kids See Ghost and You Won’t Get What You Want by Daughters (wasn’t going to try and find a Rangers match for that one).  This album takes Monae’s musical and artistic talent to another level.  Mika knows all too well about life in the music world, but thankfully he spends most of his time on the ice, because he has been damn good on it all season.  Zibby has been on the top of his game since the season started.  He’s showing his diverse talent in the offensive zone as well as the defensive zone and still showing us that brilliant talent on the man advantage.  Like with Dirty Computer, there is something very liberating and fun about his game this season.  It really feels like it’s all clicking for our favorite Swedish center.

I’m sure these selections will sit well with everybody and there won’t be a single bit of argument from anybody right?

Okay, maybe I’m being a bit too optimistic.