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Tuesday, October 24, 2000
Richter to return after 6-month hiatus



CHICAGO -- New York goalie Mike Richter is expected to return Sunday night, following knee surgery that has kept him out of the Rangers' first five games.

Mike Richter
Richter

Richter, who had surgery on his right knee in April to replace the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, will start against Tampa Bay at Madison Square Garden.

The 34-year-old veteran of 12 NHL seasons was injured in the skills competition of February's All-Star weekend in Toronto. Richter, who played one period of the All-Star game the following day, missed 12 games over the second half of last season.

"I think we're seeing the same Mike Richter that we saw before he got hurt last season," coach Ron Low said Wednesday. "His knee is sound and in perfect shape. He's an athletic goaltender and it will be great to have him back in the fold."

Kirk McLean made his fifth straight start Wednesday night against the Chicago Blackhawks. McLean and the Rangers split their first four games.

Richter, who has been practicing with the Rangers the past few weeks, was 4-12-1 after his injury and finished the campaign 22-31-8 with a 2.87 goals-against average.

"Any time you get more responsibility it feels good," Richter said Wednesday. "It's difficult as a player to sit on the sidelines. Fortunately Kirk McLean has played real well."

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