NEW YORK -- For a definition of undaunted, look no further than New York Rangers goaltender Mike Richter.

	Mike Richter was unbeaten in his last four games before suffering a season-ending ACL tear on Feb. 19.

In consecutive seasons, the All-Star goalie has had reconstructive surgery on both knees. In 1999-00, Richter tore his left anterior cruciate ligament during the All-Star skills competition when he slammed his left skate against the right goal post while making a save. On Feb. 19, with the Rangers eight points out of a playoff spot, he suffered the same injury to his right knee against Chicago while making a similar move.

As a top-flight netminder who already has reached the pinnacle of his profession -- from All-Star Game appearances to a Stanley Cup title -- it wouldn't be surprising if Richter considered leaving the game, especially with his 35th birthday lingering on Sept. 22.

But instead of swooning into self pity over his bad luck, Richter is as motivated as ever to return to the ice and help the Rangers reach the playoffs for the first time since 1997.

"From the moment it happened, I was fired up to get back," Richter said.

Though Richter still experiences some soreness and swelling, he said his recovery is well ahead of schedule and that he already has begun to skate. He wouldn't place a date on his return, however, he will be attending Team USA's orientation camp Sept. 4-7 in Colorado Springs, Colo.

"Even if I couldn't skate, I would still go," Richter said. "The Olympics aren't tomorrow or in a month."

The Rangers certainly need Richter -- if not tomorrow or in a month, certainly early in the season. After Richter's injury last season, a merry-go-round rotation of Kirk McLean (8-10-1, 3.49 goals-against average, .889 save percentage), Guy Hebert (5-7-1, 3.43, .897) and even minor-leaguer Vitali Yeremeyev (0-4-0, 4.52, .846) couldn't stop the Rangers' free fall from the playoff picture.

Other than their 2001 first-round draft pick, Dan Blackburn, the Rangers don't have many quality options in net for next season. In fact, by not retaining McLean or Hebert, Richter is their only option.

With the Olympics a possible distraction -- rather, a possible detraction -- Richter made it clear he wouldn't do anything to jeopardize the possibility of beginning the season on time when the Rangers face off against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, N.C., on Oct. 5.

"I'm focused on helping turn this around, and now with Eric here, I'm even more motivated to come back with the unfinished business here in New York," he said.

Of course, Richter is referring to newly acquired center Eric Lindros. Richter returned to New York earlier this week to join Brian Leetch and Mark Messier on the press conference podium as the official team welcoming party. Suddenly, the expectations are high(er) again on Broadway, and Richter doesn't think Lindros's injury history is cause for too much concern.

"When you have the chance to get someone like that, you have to take the chance," Richter said. "Slats (GM Glen Sather) has a vision. His track record speaks for itself, and we'll have Eric, a healthy Theo (Theo Fleury), Petr Nedved and Mess (Mark Messier)."

"Then, the Olympics ..."

Though Richter's primary focus is on the Rangers, he still has a desire to end his international career on a winning note. Richter was 1-3-0 during Team USA's disastrous performance at the 1998 Winter Games in Nagano, Japan. Including his time with Team USA in 1988, Richter has a 3-5 overall Olympic record with a GAA well over 3.50 goals per game.

For now, Richter is focusing on rehabilitating his knee. With one or two mistakes or by pushing too hard, Richter could set all of his plans back.

"I've been tied to the therapist five times per week," said Richter of his rehab routine. "It's not going to get better on its own, but it's a lonely process."

Brian A. Shactman covers the NHL for ESPN.com.