Day: August 2, 2001

It seems for the longest time the Rangers have not had to worry too much about goaltending, that all changed two seasons ago when Mike Richter played in the 2000 All-Star skills competition when he hurt his knee making a save.  What was initially not thought to be serious eventually deteriorated into season ending surgery on the ACL in his left knee.

Backup keeper, Kirk McLean played out the remainder of the year with Milan Hnilicka getting a couple of starts as the season ran out.  Entering the 2000-2001 season the team was without a starting goalie, Richter was still a month or so from regular duty and backup Kirk McLean was struggling with back spasms.