The Steel City celebrates Mike Lange, voice of the Penguins

• His longevity and the use of creative expressions, sometimes called "Lange-isms" by fans, helped him become one of the most beloved public figures in Pittsburgh.

What they're saying: Penguins legends Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux and captain Sidney Crosby thanked Lange for contributing greatness to Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania's hockey culture.

• "Mike was a one-of-a-kind broadcaster, a tremendous ambassador for the city of Pittsburgh, and, most importantly, a great friend. He will be missed," said Lemieux.
• "Mike made such an impact on the Penguins franchise and me personally as a player," Crosby said. "He was so special and I am honored to have called Mike my friend."

Pittsburghers flooded social media with admiration for Lange.

• "He was a Pittsburgh icon. He really was," Pens fan Alan Crow told KDKA on Wednesday.
• "Smile, though. Because you can indefinitely brag to future generations that he was the soundtrack of your wonderful Pittsburgh life. And that anyone else — just simply ain't it. Because they ain't Mike Lange," wrote Pirates broadcaster Dan Zangrilli on X.

• "Michael, Michael Motorcycle," wrote lifelong Pens fan and former Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto on X, harking back to a Lange-ism. "Thank you Mike Lange for being there with us during the tough days & helping us to cherish the great ones. We were blessed to have you to share it with."

The bottom line: Many said they wished they could hear his signature call — "It's a hockey night in Pittsburgh" — one last time.