The greatest save in Rangers history (photobucket).
Mike Richter – 2nd round (28th overall), 1985
It took four years for the University of Wisconsin product to make the NHL, but when he did he would leave his mark on the Rangers.
Richter debuted in relatively uneventful fashion as a 23-year-old during the 1989-90 season, posting a 12-5-5 record in 23 games for the Blue Shirts. Over the next here seasons, he would play a solid game, earning roughly half of the seasons starts over each of those campaigns.
But it wasn’t until the very eventful 1993-94 season that Richter would truly break out. With a 42-12-6 record (as well as a .910 save percentage and a 2.57 goals against average), the 27-year-old Richter would be one of the driving forces behind leading the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup Championship in 54 seasons.
Over the remainder of his 14-year career, Richter would remain a solid if unspectacular presence in the Ranger net. He would creep over the 300 win mark for his career, racking up 301 over his 666 games for the Rangers.
Though he was never among the most outstanding goalies in the NHL, Richter was a solid presence for the Blue Shirts for a decade and a half as well as one of the integral parts of the team that brought home the first New York title in 54 years. And for that, his legacy is secure.
Next: #3 Brad Park