There was a lot of optimism surrounding the Panthers in 2001, with much having to due with to its young franchise goaltender

When the 2001-2002 NHL season began, the Florida Panthers franchise was looking to build itself back into an annual postseason contender.

At the time, the goal seemed attainable enough.

Nobody could’ve seen the horror that would follow over the next decade of playoff-less hockey.

Entering the 01-02 season, the Panthers had been to the playoffs three times in six years. Not too shabby for a recent expansion team, especially back in those days.

They also had superstar goal scorer Pavel Bure leading the charge, and a young goaltender between the pipes who was viewed as the future of the franchise.

The Panthers acquired Roberto Luongo from the New York Islanders at the 2000 NHL Draft that took place at the Saddledome in Calgary.

During his first season with the Panthers in 2000-01, Luongo began displaying the brilliance that would make him a Hockey Hall of Fame member.

When year two began, it was clear that he was not only Florida’s long-term answer in goal, but one of the best young tendies in the NHL.

The Hockey News featured the Luongo and the Cats on a cover story in its Oct. 12, 2001 edition, Volume 55, Issue 6.

It was penned by longtime Panthers beat writer David J. Neal and is one of the more comprehensive, interesting pieces on Luongo and the Panthers at that time that I've come across. 

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