Mike Richter

Hockey

Having been booed at home regularly by the New York fans who once adored him, Mike Richter was happy to get out of town.

Way out of town.

“It’s kind of an oasis,” the U.S. goaltender said of Nagano, where his team will open the Olympics Thursday (Pacific time) against Sweden.

“It gives you motivation. It gives you a goal in sight, especially when you’re on a team that’s struggled like the Rangers. Not winning can be a difficult thing but it sure makes you starved for success and you want it that much more,” he said.

“This is just gravy to me, that I can have a second opportunity to have success.”

Richter, 14-19-14 for a New York team that went into the Olympic break seven games under .500 and six points out of an NHL Eastern Conference playoff spot, made the most of his previous opportunity.

He was 5-1 with a 2.43 goals-against average in the 1996 World Cup, including a 35-save performance as the Americans stunned Canada at Montreal in the championship game.

“Mike Richter stole that last one for us,” U.S. teammate Mike Modano said. “He’s the reason we won.”

So it’s understandable why U.S. coach Ron Wilson is staying loyal to Richter even though the goalie is having one of his most trying NHL seasons.

“Mike has won the Stanley Cup (in 1994) and has gotten the job done in trying circumstances,” Wilson said. “Regardless of what fans say in New York, he’s an excellent goaltender.”

Richter has played much better the past few weeks and the Rangers have climbed in the standings.

“When you’re dealing with adversity, either you’re going to shut down or fight back,” he said. “I feel good about my game.”