COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- On a roster filled with forwards who could slap a puck through a mail slot, scoring should not be a concern for the U.S. hockey team in the 2002 Winter Olympics.

	Mike Richter was down after tearing his ACL in February, but he's not out of consideration for Team USA.

Stopping the puck is another question.

In the past two Olympics, the Americans have allowed 40 goals in 11 games. The results have been equally discouraging: a 2-6-3 record and a quick exit from the quarterfinals.

"Goalies, pitchers, and quarterbacks are real keys, there's no question," U.S. coach Herb Brooks said Thursday. "Someone out of this group, they've got to come alive for us and they've got to get hot for a couple weeks. That's crucial."

Brooks and the USA Hockey staff have until Dec. 22 to add two goalies to the team's 23-man roster. Mike Dunham of the Nashville Predators is the only goalie selected thus far. He was among five goalies who took part in a four-day orientation camp that ends Friday.

The other four goalies in camp were Robert Esche of the Phoenix Coyotes, Brent Johnson of the St. Louis Blues, Damian Rhodes of the Atlanta Thrashers and Mike Richter of the New York Rangers.

While Dunham has played on two Olympic teams, Richter could be the top choice come February.

A three-time All-Star, Richter started all four games for the United States in 1998 and would love to prove that his 3.55 goals-against average in Nagano was an aberration.

"For me personally, I feel like I flubbed my opportunity in 1998," Richter said. "I don't think anybody on the team felt like we accomplished what we set out to do, so here's another opportunity for us."

Richter's playing scale will depend on his health. He had surgery in March to repair a torn ligament in his right knee and could be limited in the first few months of the season.

Richter said the knee feels strong, but he was removed during a 75-minute workout Thursday because of swelling.

"I think you just have to honor the fact that you are recovering," he said. "I think when you start to feel really good, you push it, but you don't want to overdo it because there are still limits."

Richter, who had surgery on his left knee in April 2000, plans on being ready for New York's season opener on Oct. 5 and wants to play in as many games as possible while trying to convince Brooks that he is the choice to lead Team USA in Salt Lake City.

"I like the idea of having the Olympics be a motivating factor for me because it's not taking away from the team concept," Richter said. "It's playing well for New York."

No one will be happier than Brooks if Richter and the Rangers get hot. Brooks has solid young candidates in Johnson, Esche and Rhodes, but none has Richter's championship pedigree.

"He's the most experienced goalkeeper out of these guys," Brooks said. "If the injury prohibits him, then I'll have to see what happens. You never know. There might be a goalkeeper out there that's not here. We're leaving everything wide open."

Brooks mentioned New York Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro and veteran Tom Barrasso as possible solutions. Such extremes won't be necessary if Richter proves healthy and can regain the form that helped the Rangers to the Stanley Cup title in 1994.

"He wants to be the best goalie in the league and be the first star of every game," Rangers defenseman and Team USA member Brian Leetch said. "He wants to be a big reason why the Rangers win and he wants to be the reason why the U.S. is battling for a gold medal."