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Picture this: a 13-season saga in the bright lights of Broadway, where Chris Kreider carved his niche as a beloved figure in the New York Rangers. But let’s cut the crap for a second. Was he ever the best player on his team? Nope.
He was just a reliable cog in the machine, chugging along while the real stars took the spotlight. It’s a classic case of the underdog — or maybe just the underachiever who somehow managed to stick around long enough to get his name etched in franchise history.
Good for him, right? But does that really mean something in the grand scheme of things?
Breaking down the numbers
Let’s talk stats because, in sports, numbers don’t lie. Kreider ranks eighth all-time in games played for the Rangers.
That’s impressive, sure. But who the hell else is in that club? It’s a mixed bag of legendary players and some who are just—well—there. Think about it: only 25 Rangers have had their names on the coveted Stanley Cup in the last 85 years.
So, is being a fan favorite enough? Does he deserve a trophy for being consistent yet unremarkable? Talk about a dilemma.
The Jorge Posada comparison
Now, let’s throw Jorge Posada into the mix, shall we? Another No. 20 who, like Kreider, was adored by fans but never the absolute best on his team.
Posada has rings—four of them—but Kreider? Not even close. It’s like comparing apples to oranges, but both carry the weight of expectations. Kreider’s got the longevity, but does that mean he’s earned his place in the annals of Rangers history? Or is he just another name on a long list of mediocrity?
The bittersweet irony
Here’s where it gets juicy. Kreider is a testament to the idea that sometimes, being a fan favorite is a double-edged sword. Sure, the crowd loves him, but does love translate to greatness? It almost feels like a cruel joke — the kind that makes you laugh and cry at the same time. It’s a real pickle: you want to cheer for him, but also shake your head at his lack of elite status. Is the franchise really built on the backs of players who are merely good? Or are we just settling for the bare minimum?
Should we celebrate mediocrity?
Maybe this is the new norm in sports. Celebrate the good enough and throw a parade for those who don’t screw up too badly. It’s a sad state of affairs when you realize that being a decent player is enough to earn accolades in a world full of superstars. So what does that say about the Rangers organization? Are they aiming for greatness, or are they simply happy with the crumbs that fall off the table?
Final thoughts
So, where does that leave us? Kreider’s legacy is a mixed bag of loyalty and lackluster brilliance. The question remains: should we applaud him for his perseverance or cringe at the reality that he was never the best? It’s a tough pill to swallow, but perhaps this is just a reflection of our times. In a world that often rewards mediocrity, maybe Chris Kreider is the poster child we never knew we needed. Or maybe he’s just a reminder that sometimes, being good enough is just that — good enough.
