The NHL resumed play following the tremendous success of the 4 Nations Face-Off, featuring a classic matchup between legendary players Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin as the Pittsburgh Penguins hosted the Washington Capitals. This matchup also provided a perfect opportunity for ESPN lead announcer Sean McDonough to honor the legendary Penguins announcer, Mike Lange.
Lange passed away at the age of 76 during the 4 Nations Face-Off. For nearly 50 years, he had called games for the Penguins on both television and radio before officially retiring in 2021.
In the second period of the game, Crosby, who had just won the 4 Nations with Team Canada, tied the game at 2-2. McDonough then paid tribute by echoing one of Lange’s iconic calls to commemorate this goal.
Full marks to ESPN’s Sean McDonough for using “Scratch My Back with a Hacksaw” as a tribute to Mike Lange on Sidney Crosby’s goal. pic.twitter.com/OSS5es8Ono
— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) February 22, 2025
The phrase “scratch my back with a hacksaw” is just one of many distinctive calls that defined Mike Lange as a unique hockey announcer and beloved Pittsburgh media figure. For more of his trademark expressions, check out this TSN Top 10 highlights package from years past, which includes memorable lines like “smiling like a butcher’s dog” and “Elvis has left the building.”
Kudos to Sean McDonough for delivering such a perfect tribute to Mike Lange and choosing the ideal moment, coinciding with Sidney Crosby’s goal for the Penguins in Pittsburgh. Sadly for Penguins fans, that was the last highlight of the day, as the Capitals surged to an 8-3 victory.
