A 26-year ghost disappeared as the Panthers celebrated their thrilling opening-round playoff win – The Denver Post

Twenty-six years. Sixteen coaches. Ten general managers, including Dale Tallon twice and one set of brothers, Bryan and Terry Murray.

There were five owners, not counting the group of eight investors briefly fronted by beloved Miami quarterback Bernie Kosar, who said hockey was his, “first and special love” before fading away to the bigger wallet of Alan Cohen.

Cohen faded away after four indifferent seasons, telling people he liked investing in horses more than hockey players because, “They don’t talk back.”

Cliff Viner bought the team. His tenure’s memory is of attempting a quiet divorce in Key West where his ex-wife’s relinquishing of any right to the Panthers became such a talk-story the team released a statement on it all.

Viner divorced the Panthers after three…