Penguins pay tribute to retired announcer Mike Lange

Tribune-Review
Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021 10:52 a.m. | Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021 10:52 a.m.

Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review

Retired announcer Mike Lange was honored during the Penguins-Stars game on Tuesday at PPG Paints Arena.

Pittsburgh Penguins fans hold up cards for recently retired Hockey Hall of Fame announcer Mike Lange in a tribute him during a break in the first period Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021, in Pittsburgh.

Longtime Pittsburgh Penguins announcer Mike Lange would greet viewers with “It’s a hockey night in Pittsburgh!”

Well, on Tuesday, it was a “Mike Lange Night in Pittsburgh” as the Penguins honored the retired broadcaster throughout the Pens’ game against the Dallas Stars at PPG Paints Arena.

Lange, who retired this past summer after 46 years with the franchise, entered the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001 as the winner of the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award, given for distinguished work as a broadcaster.

Lange started with the Penguins in the 1974-75 season.

GREAT BALLS OF FIRE! ????

Thank you for everything, Mike Lange. pic.twitter.com/BHPe0g70Of

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 19, 2021

His trademark catchphrases — like “Scratch my back with a hacksaw,” “She wants to sell my monkey” and “I’ll be cow-kicked” — always kept his broadcast audience anticipating what would come next.

It's Mike Lange's world, we're all just living in it. pic.twitter.com/e98OiSQz3C

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 19, 2021

One of Lange’s sayings actually came true Tuesday night, “Make me a milkshake, Malkin” with a frozen treat delivered by injured Penguins center Evgeni Malkin.

Mike Lange: "MAKE ME A MILKSHAKE, MALKIN!"@emalkin71geno: "Yes, sir."

The milkshake was cold, but this video will surely warm your heart ???? pic.twitter.com/zI1MnEX5QQ

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 20, 2021

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, immortalized by Lange with the “Slap me silly, Sidney” catchphrase, paid tribute to Lange as well.

Crosby on Mike Lange: "He's just part of the team." ???? pic.twitter.com/oJIkV7VVL4

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 20, 2021

Penguins players got in on the fun, sharing their favorite sayings.

Happy Mike Lange Night!

Everyone has their favorite Lange-ism. What's yours? pic.twitter.com/bDEd2c5IBe

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 19, 2021

Other video tributes came in from former broadcast partner Eddie Olczyk, comedians Steve Byrne and Billy Gardell, and Willie O’Ree, the first Black player in the NHL.