New York Rangers duo speaks out on the tragic passing of Penguins legend Mike Lange
Photo credit: NBC Sports
While the Pittsburgh Penguins may be a rival in the Metropolitan Division for the New York Rangers, there remain two players who hold a special place in their hearts for Mike Lange.
For New York Rangers players JT Miller, and Vinnie Trocheck, Mike Lange was a name that is synonymous with their childhood.
He'd call the plays they'd try to emulate in their basement and would use Lange as inspiration while doing so.
"Whenever I was a kid playing in my basement and commentating myself, it was usually to the tune of Mike Lange's voice," Trocheck told me after Team USA's morning skate here in Boston on Thursday.
They'd know and love Lange for his contributions to the NHL and Penguins organization. Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to him, as after 40 years on the air, he'd pass away at the age of 76 on Wednesday.
His catchphrases would be used with regularity by Trocheck and Miller, adding a colorful soundtrack to their lives.
The phrases included "he beat him like a rented mule" and "scratch my back with a chainsaw". The gruesome commentary of the 80s and 90s only added to the uniqueness of Lange's influence which has affected the two Rangers.
"It was a pretty sad moment to hear about his passing," Trocheck said. "He means so much to the city of Pittsburgh and to hockey in Pittsburgh."
In Coraopolis, Miller would experience the same feeling hearing Lange call hockey games and would lament his loss.
Miller:
"He's a guy that me and my brother, when we were playing hockey in the basement, we're announcing like Mike Lange," Miller recalled. "He has the best one-liners all the time, and he was very influential for me and hockey. When I was a kid, I really loved listening to him."
Miller credits Lange for making hockey fun, and easy to get into as his phrases were always memorable.
"Shave my face with a rusty razor!"
Lange's idioms were absolutely hilarious, and one of a kind. It's doubtful the NHL will have someone lend their voice quit like Lange has.
Miller:
"He meant a lot," Miller said. "He was one of the best at his job. I spent a little bit of time around him in the locker room, being a Pittsburgh guy, and he was always so gracious and nice to me and always supporting other guys that live in the area. He's one of the G.O.A.T.s (greatest of all-time), in my opinion. I'm very sad for him and his family."
The NHL has experienced a significant loss, and with the current play-by-play analysts, it's difficult to see who can fill Lange's shoes at the moment.
Rest In Peace Mr. Lange
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