Mike Richter deserves the Hall of Fame

Other goalies in the Hall of Fame

Ed Belfour: His career numbers are impressive and he won a Stanley Cup with the Dallas Stars. He twice led the NHL in GAA and save percentage and in shutouts four times. He’s earned two Vezinas and is a four-time recipient of the Jennings Trophy (given to the goalie having played at least 25 games for the team with the fewest goals scored against it).

However, he also left Dallas after clashing with coach Ken Hitchcock. As a player, he was arrested several times on charges including criminal mischief, public intoxication, and resisting arrest. Not to kick a guy when he’s down but isn’t all that a reflection of questionable character? Also, each arrest was bad publicity for his teams and the NHL.

Gerry Cheevers: Won two Stanley Cups behind two of the most potent Boston Bruins teams ever. Pretty sure Hardy Astrom would’ve won behind Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito, and Company. In fairness, “Cheesy” led the NHL in playoff shutouts once and holds the league mark for the longest winning streak for a goalie (32) set in 1972, when Boston led the league in wins, points, points percentage, and goals.

Stats

Games: Belfour 963, Richter 666, Cheevers 418

Wins: Belfour 484, Richter 301, Cheevers 227

Goals-against average: Belfour 2.50, Richter 2.89, Cheevers 2.89

Save percentage: Belfour .906, Richter .904, Cheevers .901

Shutouts: Belfour 76, Cheevers 26, Richter 24

Saves: Belfour 22,433, Richter 17,379, Cheevers 10,643

Bottom Line

Belfour clearly had better numbers than Richter, and in some categories, it’s not close. However, the HHOF criteria include character and contributions to his team and the game. Richter never left the Rangers having to address any arrests or spats with team personnel. Contrary, he won numerous team awards and his two best friends on the Blueshirts were HHOFers Brian Leetch and Mark Messier.

Cheevers was a very good goalie. But it’s fair to wonder whether the Bruins beat the Rangers in the 1972 Stanley Cup Finals had Blueshirts great Jean Ratelle had been at full strength. Ratelle likely would’ve bested Phil Esposito for the scoring title that season, but he broke his ankle with 16 matches remaining. Ratelle returned to play in the championship round but was not the same player. Like Richter, Cheevers never won the Vezina.

Should Mike Richter be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame?

Now that you’ve read my case for Richter getting in, feel free to give us your thoughts by dropping us a line below.