10 greatest New York Rangers in franchise history
University of Wisconsin. Mike Richter. 9. player. 95. . Goaltender
Mike Richter is one of the best goaltenders in New York Rangers history. He played for the Blueshirts from 1989 to 2003, serving as their starting goalie from 1990 to 2002. Richter led the NHL in wins (42) during the 1993-94 season.
During the ensuing postseason, he had a .921 save percentage, allowing merely 2.07 goals against per game as the Rangers won their first Stanley Cup in over 50 years. Richter ranks second in most goaltending categories to a man who will get to just a little bit later.
He’ll always be known as one of the guys who helped bring the Stanley Cup back to The Big Apple
The Blueshirts likely wouldn’t have won the Stanley Cup without him. Sure, Brian Leetch had one of the most memorable postseasons of all-time. Mark Messier had a pretty great one too. But Richter rose his game to an impressive level when the Rangers desperately needed him to.
His postseason magic didn’t stop in 1994 either. Richter led the Blueshirts to the 1997 Eastern Conference Final while leading postseason goaltenders with a .932 save percentage and three shutouts.
Back in 1991, he did well against the Washington Capitals in the first round, though the Rangers eventually fell to them in six games. Eventually, Richter’s athleticism left him due to a variety of injuries and old age. He’ll always be known as one of the guys who helped bring the Stanley Cup back to The Big Apple.