The Athletic's anti-Oilers voting list exposes their total bias

Their choices have sparked a considerable backlash, exposing what many see as a glaring disconnect between their analysis and the on-ice realities of the NHL playoffs.

Despite Wyatt Johnston's commendable performance in the playoffs, The Athletic's decision to place him at the top of their Conn Smythe list has raised eyebrows. Notably, Johnston isn't even the leading scorer on his own team; that distinction belongs to Miro Heiskanen, whose exceptional play as a defenseman has been a cornerstone for the Dallas Stars. Critics argue that Heiskanen's contributions across the board make him a far more deserving candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy than Johnston.

Further compounding the controversy is the complete omission of Leon Draisaitl from The Athletic's list, despite him leading the postseason in points with 24—a tally that includes one more goal than their projected winner. The exclusion is particularly baffling given that Auston Matthews, who was eliminated in the first round, garnered more votes than Draisaitl, a frontrunner in scoring.

The Athletic's voting patterns reveal a significant preference for the Stars over the Oilers, with a staggering 87% of their writers favoring the former. This overwhelming consensus seems unjustified given the close competition between the two teams and the Oilers' comparatively healthier lineup. Such a lopsided prediction hints at an underlying bias within The Athletic's NHL department, further questioning their credibility in providing impartial hockey analysis.

The fallout from these predictions has been swift, with many fans and pundits questioning the value of subscribing to a service that seems so out of touch with the sport's current dynamics. The criticism underscores a broader issue within sports journalism—where credibility is paramount, and evident biases can severely tarnish a publication's reputation.

As The Athletic faces backlash, it becomes imperative for them to reassess their analysis methods and engagement with the sport's intricacies. Only through a more nuanced and factual approach can they hope to restore their standing among hockey's passionate fanbase.