There will be hockey nights in Pittsburgh this year. But early on, they won’t include the iconic Mike Lange.

The Penguins’ hall of fame radio broadcaster will take a leave of absence to open the 2020-21 season due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement issued by the team, Lange, 72, indicated he is taking this measure out of an abundance of caution.

“’I’ve decided to opt out of the start of the season after huddling with doctors about the course of Covid-19,” he said. “They’ve suggested it probably is best to receive the vaccinations before going back in the booth.

“I’m very much appreciative that the Penguins hierarchy gave me this chance to get everything in order.”

Lange is expected to participate remotely during intermission segments as well as other team broadcasts.

For the past two seasons, Lange has taken on a reduced workload as Josh Getzoff has handled the majority of road games during that time, along with color commentator Phil Bourque.

In 2018, Lange did not handle any of the team’s postseason games after experiencing an adverse reaction to medication for pneumonia.

Lange was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001 after winning the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award, an honor that recognizes “members of the radio and television industry who made outstanding contributions to their profession and the game during their career in hockey broadcasting.”

Initially arriving in Pittsburgh in 1974, Lange was scheduled to enter his 46th season broadcasting Penguins games.

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