There was different feeling around the Panthers franchise in the mid-2010s then there had been for the past decade

There was a good amount of excitement surrounding the Florida Panthers back in 2014.

The team was only a season removed from its first playoff appearance in over a decade, and a bevy of new players was highlighted by the re-acquisition of franchise goaltender Roberto Luongo.

New owners Vinny Viola and Doug Cifu were infusing life into the franchise, and the sense was in the air that things may finally be changing for the long suffering fanbase.

Remember getting behind Dale Tallon and his blueprint for success?

The trio of foundational draft picks – Jonathan Huberdeau in 2011, Sasha Barkov in 2013 and Aaron Ekblad in 2014 – were only starting their careers, but still showing a glimpse of what they would become and ultimately mean to the turnaround of the franchise.

At the outset of the 2014-15 season, The Hockey News’ Adam Proteau put together an extensive piece on the Panthers during its Oct. 10, 2014, edition: Vol. 68, Issue 07.

THN Archive is an exclusive vault of 2,640 issues and more than 156,000 for subscribers, chronicling the complete history of The Hockey News from 1947 until today. Visit THN.com/archive and subscribe today at subscribe.thehockeynews.com.

LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA

‘I’m so happy’: Aaron Ekblad, key member of Florida blueline, hopes to finish career with Panthers

Panthers can make Canadian road trip a success with win in Montreal

Matthew Tkachuk fashion sense receives high praise in latest NHL Style Rankings

‘We’re playing the right way’: Panthers pleased with team effort on tough Canadian road trip

Three takeaways: Panthers penalty kill surging, team focused on sustaining success

Goaltending shines as Panthers drop frustrating game to Toronto in a shootout