Over the past 30 years, the Rangers have been blessed with elite goaltending. Everyone remembers Henrik Lundqvist, the best goaltender in the league during the 2010s. Even though they didn’t win a cup, Lundqvist was the main catalyst for the Rangers making the playoffs seven straight seasons. Then after Lundqvist left the organization, they replaced him with Igor Shesterkin. Although it’s only Shesterkin’s sixth season in the league, he’s on pace to have a great NHL career. However, lost in the shuffle is another great Rangers goaltender, Mike Richter
Richter spent his entire 14-year career with the Blueshirts, from 1989-90 to 2002-03. He was the heart and soul of the team, throughout his career, and had a lasting impact on the Rangers. So much so that they retired his number 35 in 2004. However, despite all his accomplishments, he has been passed over for the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Richter Career Stats and Achievements
To begin, let’s look at Richter’s career numbers. Over his 14-year career, he played in 666 games with a record of 301-258-73. Now record isn’t a great indicator of a goalie’s success, but 300 wins is still an impressive feat. He had a career save percentage of .904 and a goals-against-average of 2.89. Both are impressive numbers and show Richter’s longevity, which is his biggest argument for the hall. Richter was never the best in the league, but he was consistently a very good goalie. To do that over 14 years needs to be recognized.
Richter also had the hardware to back up his stats. He was a three-time all-star and won all-star game MVP in 1994 at MSG. He was a Venznia finalist in 1990-91 and finished in the top ten of voting five times. He’s also a member of the US Hockey Hall of Fame, and the Philadephia Sports Hall of Fame.
His elite play followed him in international tournaments. For over three decades, Richter was a part of Team USA and was their starting goalie. He competed in three Olympic games. However, his most memorable one came in 2002 when he helped the US win the Silver Medal in Salt Lake City. He also took home Gold for the US in the first World Cup of Hockey in 1996.
His Hall of Fame Moment
Although his numbers and achievements are impressive, to get into the hall you need a moment. Something when people look back on your career, that’s the first place they go to. Thankfully for Richter that came in 1994.
Anyone who knows anything about the Rangers knows “The Curse of 1940”. The 54-year drought the Rangers went on when they didn’t win the Stanley Cup. Although the reason for “the curse” is unknown many believe it was due to the Rangers burning the mortgage to MSG III in the bowl of the Cup. However “the curse” ended in 1994 when the Rangers beat the Cancuks in seven games for their first Stanley Cup since 1939-40.
Although overshadowed by guys like Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, and Stephane Matteau, Richter played a pivotal role for the team as the starting goalie. He appeared in 68 games that season and had a record of 42-12-6. He had a save percentage of .910 and a goals-against-average of 2.57, the best of his career. During the playoffs, he only got better. He had a save percentage of .921 and a goals-against-average of 2.07. In the clinching game of the Stanley Cup, he stopped 28 of 30 shots propelling the Rangers to victory. It’s easy to say that without Richter, “The Curse of 1940” is still haunting the Rangers. With all of this in mind, it feels like a no-brainer Richter should be in the Hall of Fame.
Thanks for reading! Credit for my feature image goes to Doug Pensinger. You can find more NHL content at Belly Up Sports and follow me on Twitter/X.
