MVN - Most Valuable Network

Steigy signs multi-year deal with FSN; Fans’ wishes for Lange rebuffed

It was thought earlier this year after FSN Pittsburgh General Manager Steve Tello left for a similar position in Houston, combined with the fact that it was Tello who fired Mike Lange in 2006, that Penguins fans may see Lange return to the TV side of the booth this coming season for FSN.

Psyche !!!

According to Bob Smizik of the PG today, Paul Steigerwald has signed a multi-year deal with FSN to remain as the Penguins’ television play-by-play man for the team.  He will once again team with former Pen Bob Errey, who has a lengthy deal already in place with the network.

For longtime Penguins fans it continues to be certainly disappointing, and I want to stress that that statement is in no way an indictment on Steigy personally nor professionally.  Steigy has been with the club for nearly 30 years now in various capacities.  He’s well liked, is obviously very knowledgeable in his hockey and does an admirable job during the Penguins’ telecasts.  As for Errey, I could take him or leave him, honestly.  He certainly has his quirky moments (”look at Roberts drinking the water !!”), but overall Bob does a decent job as color commentator.

But this isn’t about Steigy.  For as good of a job that Steigy may do, Steigy is no Mike Lange.  This is really about the continued bizarre treatment of an NHL Hall of Fame broadcaster who was mysteriously fired from his job at the height of his popularity two years ago.  Mike Lange is among the top two or three most recognizable voices in the NHL today.  His goal calls are constantly used by various media outlets.  When you think about the media of the Pittsburgh Penguins, quite frankly, you don’t think Paul Steigerwald, the first name that pops up in your head is Mike Lange.  Again, nothing against Steigy, that’s just how it is.

In Smizik’s column, he also states that since Steigy took over as play-by-play man, the ratings have comparatively spiked.  While his article may not stress how much of that should be attributed to Steigy’s performance, as well as Steigy himself poo-poo’ing that inference, let me just say that it’s a ridiculous argument to make.  The Penguins have been the most exciting team in hockey those two seasons that Steigy just so happened to be working play-by-play.  Making any inference that it’s due to Steigy being there, and not Lange, is simply coincidental, or rather, good timing.

It also needs to be mentioned that since Lange’s firing two seasons ago, he’s purposely been agreeing to only one-year contracts.  He has not signed any contract for this coming year.  I’m really curious how long he’s going to accept being on the radio side.  If and/or when Lange ever leaves the Penguins organization, no one at the Igloo should point any fingers, unless it’s in the mirror, of course.

Congratulations to Steigy, I’m sure he’ll continue doing the good job that he’s always done.

This entry was posted on Saturday, July 19th, 2008 at 11:36 am and is filed under Pens News, Opinion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.