Hockey fans are furious with Mark Stone and they are sending a clear message to the NHL

Hockey fans are absolutely furious with the organization following another conveniently timed injury announcement right before the upcoming trade deadline.

Stone is reportedly heading to long-term injured reserve once again. That specific designation frees up massive cap space for Vegas to acquire elite talent before Friday.

The frustration across the hockey world is boiling over quickly. This exact scenario has played out multiple times over the last few seasons with incredible, Cup-winning success.

Stone has been absolutely dominant this year. With 60 points already in the bank, he is a primary driver of the team's relentless offensive output.

Over his NHL career, the veteran winger has dealt with severe, chronic physical issues. Yet, the timing of these absences is always heavily scrutinized by rival fans.

The Golden Knights locker room will undoubtedly miss his leadership on the ice. His stellar +17 rating proves he remains one of the best two-way forwards in the Show.

Social media is currently flooded with angry demands for the league office to step in and stop this frustrating practice immediately.

Passionate fans believe this strategy completely undermines the integrity of the strict salary cap system during the most critical part of the regular season.

Vegas currently sits comfortably in the Western Conference playoff picture. They have the draft capital and now the cap flexibility to land another absolute superstar.

General manager Kelly McCrimmon operates entirely within the established rules of the collective bargaining agreement. That fact provides zero comfort to other general managers.

The Vegas front office is already fielding calls from desperate sellers. A massive addition to the blue line or a high-scoring winger is highly likely by Friday afternoon.

Expect the volume of complaints to reach an absolute fever pitch if the Golden Knights manage to hoist the Stanley Cup again this June.