NHL ROUNDUP : Richter’s Unbeaten Streak Hits 19, Ties Ranger Record

Another night, another victory for Mike Richter.

“It’s fantastic and a lot of fun, but the main thing is that the team is winning,” Richter said after tying a 54-year-old New York Ranger goaltending record by extending his unbeaten streak to 19 during a 5-2 victory over the Hartford Whalers on Wednesday night.

The two go hand-in-hand, of course. Richter has been the hottest goaltender in the NHL in the last 1 1/2 months with his 16-0-3 record and the Rangers have been the hottest team at 18-1-3 in their last 22.

“The record means we’re getting a lot of wins, which is the most important thing,” Richter said after tying Davey Kerr’s mark (14-0-5) set in the 1939-40 season, the last time the Rangers won the Stanley Cup.

“As long as we continue to be successful (as a team), that’s all that’s really important. And if you’re doing your job and getting the wins, then I suppose the records will follow.”

The Rangers extended their unbeaten streak to six (5-0-1) and improved their NHL-best record to 22-6-3. The Rangers’ victory also extended their home-ice unbeaten streak to 13 (10-0-3), their longest streak at Madison Square Garden since the 1971-72 season.

Chicago 3, Dallas 2--Joe Murphy had a goal and an assist at Dallas as the Blackhawks dealt the Stars only their second home loss of the season.

Montreal 3, Florida 3--Brian Bellows had two goals and an assist as the Canadiens, winless in their last four games, rallied from a 3-0 second-period deficit to gain a tie at Miami.

Tampa Bay 4, Ottawa 3--Petr Klima scored two goals and Brian Bradley had three assists to lead the Lightning at St. Petersburg, Fla.

Boston 5, New Jersey 4--Defenseman Glen Wesley scored three goals, Cam Neeley had a goal and two assists and Ray Bourque and Joe Juneau each had three assists at East Rutherford, N.J., to help the Bruins end a five-game winless streak.

Edmonton 7, Vancouver 2--Steve Rick scored two goals in the first period and later had two assists to lead the Oilers at Edmonton.

St. Louis 3, San Jose 1--Brendan Shanahan scored twice and had one assist and goaltender Curtis Joseph stopped 37 shots as the Blues won at San Jose.