Some Mike Lange Love

Everyone who is a Pens fan knows Mike Lange. The popular announcer started with the Penguins in 1975, and is known for his "Lange-isms", or creative calls of Pens' goals. Here are our favorite Mike Lange expressions.

"He doesn't know whether to cry or wind his watch"

This classic is Lange's call when a 'Guin undresses an opposing goalie before putting the puck in the net. Super Mario's long reach made it easy for him to make goalies look silly. Now it is Sid and Geno that evoke this call, but it is still a classic. We assume it is a reference to the goalie being late on the play, but we couldn't find any confirmation.

"He's smiling like a butcher's dog!"

The earliest we remember this call was for Shawn McEachern's first NHL goal. It could've been used before then, but that is the earliest we remember. The meaning of the saying is pretty self explanatory.

"Michael, Michael Motorcycle"

We're not sure who Michael is, or what he has to do with a motorcycle, but it just sounds great in Mike Lange's voice. 

"Call Arnold Slick from Turtle Creek"

This one is pure gold. To all the non-Yinzers out there this may look dumb. For those of you who don't know, in Pittsburghese the word "creek" is pronounced "crick" so this actually does rhyme. Sayings like this are what make Mike Lange a legend in the 'Burgh for his incorporation of Pittsburgh culture.

"Buy Sam a drink and get his dog one too"

We don't advocate giving booze to animals. We do love this call though. 

"Get in the fast lane Grandma, the Bingo games ready to roll"

I'm pretty sure the only time Grandma's drive fast is on the way to Bingo.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Elvis has just left the building!"

This is easily Lange's most well-known call. It signals a Penguins victory and the end of the game either by time or empty net goal. This also signifies the end of this post. We hope you enjoyed reflecting on the brilliance of Mike Lange as much as we did!