"...That's one way to look at it, but today is also the dawn of a new era. This is Stammer's team now, and the future is bright. Nobody wants to talk about it, but as great as Marty and Vinny were, and as much as they meant to this franchise, they were just too old to play much of a role in the long-term future of this team.

Obviously Marty is still playing at a high level, but some really tough decisions were going to have to be made when his contract was up after next season. Now that isn't a concern anymore.

Salo, Brewer and Malone are now the only guys on this team who are over 30-years-old. Stamkos doesn't have to play in anyone's shadow anymore, and it's exciting to think about what he can do as the undisputed face of the franchise.

There will be a time in the future to reflect and celebrate the legacies of Marty and Vinny, but that time is somewhere down the road, just not right now. Those two are still active players in the league, they're opponents just like every other NHL player who doesn't wear the bolt.

As sad as yesterday was, today is a day for celebration. The future starts now."