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Ranking the local hockey teams’ greatest players by nationality

GLENDALE, Ariz. — So, OK, an exercise in which Henrik Lundqvist, Ed Giacomin and Mike Richter can each be designated as the greatest goaltender in franchise history … by nationality.

As the World Juniors crown a champion Sunday in Vancouver, Slap Shots is issuing our six-nations ranking of our three local club’s all-time greatest by birthplace. Ranking is determined by contributions with team — which is why, say, Wayne Gretzky is not ranked as the Rangers’ greatest Canadian-born player and Jaromir Jagr is not atop the Devils’ Czech Republic list.

Greatest US-born players

Rangers: 1.