Ranking The Ten Best Rangers Goalies, All-Time

My criteria for rating a goalkeeper starts with the most important element of all – winning the Stanley Cup. That explains why such favorites as Henrik Lundqvist and Igor Shestrerkin are buried at the bottom of my Top Ten list. Here goes:

1. MIKE RICHTER: Apart from brilliantly winning the 1994 Cup, Richter is the only goalie to have had to survive four nerve-wracking playoff rounds to turn the trick. Being on the small side never bothered this super-agile stopper. Mike's fertile brain compensated for his lack of brawn.

2. DAVE KERR: His brilliant decade-long NHL career was highlighted in 1940 when he defeated Toronto's Hall of Fame goalie Turk Broda over six closely-played games and won New York a Stanley Cup. It's shameful that Davey never made it to the Hall of Fame. His admirable accomplishments show that he DOES belong.

3. ANDY AITKENHEAD: The nimble Scotsman was the only Rangers rookie goalkeeper to lead his squad to the Cup. In 1933 that was considered a major upset especially since the Blueshirts had to defeat defending champion Toronto. I consider AA vastly underrated for his work. P.S. He's the only former member of the Bronx Tigers to star for the Blueshirts.

4. LORNE 'GUMP' WORSLEY: The Gumper won his titles in Montreal but – even with mediocre teams – he managed to excel and keep the media happy with prize quips. Gump's Rangers stint peaked from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Phil Watson. His three Vezinas and a Calder Trophy rank among Gump's assets.

5. CHUCK RAYNER: Valiant to the core, Hall of Famer Bonnie Prince Charlie reached his pinnacle in 1949-50. Although he was playing for an under-.500 team he led his club to the seventh game, double-over-time "almost" but lost. Still, Charlie was only the second goalie to claim the league's MVP.

6. JOHN VANBIESBROUCK: The Beezer hit his stride at age 22 in 1985-86 when he won the Vezina Trophy as well as a berth on the First All-Star Team. At 5-8, John compensated with speed and savvy. "I was respected," he said, "because I produced." He did likewise later with the young Florida Panthers, taking them to the Cup Final.

7. ED GIACOMIN: "The fans are the reason why I'm in The Hall of Fame," Eddie often said. Also, the fact that he was a two-time First All-Star as well as a Vezina Trophy-winner helped plenty. Although he never won a Cup, he became one of the most popular Rangers of his time. He says that a save against Frank Mahovkich was his best.

8. HENRIK LUNDQVIST: "He's got the looks, the accolades, the skill and the will," Matt Larkin once wrote in the Hockey News. But King Henrik never got his crown. He did win the Vezina in 2012 and made the HOF and retired as one of the most popular Blueshirts. The Manhattan media loved him for his friendship and articulation.

9. IGOR SHESTERKIN: He may want to be the highest-paid goalie in history but he doesn't have the credentials to go with it except one Vezina and helping to win the President's Trophy. In recent years he has been the club MVP but without a Cup. The jury is still out but a Cup win would immensely elevate his stature.

10. SUGAR JIM HENRY: The successor to retired Dave Kerr in 1940, a Hall of Fame career was possible had World War II not intervened. But Jim spearheaded New York's march to first place in 1942 before joining the Canadian armed forces. After the war he alternated in the Rangers goal with Rayner but Jim's best years came later in Boston.