It is, really.

Lets look at the east. 2 Penguins and 4 Canadiens. Really? The Penguins currently not in a playoff position have 2 players better then any of the 8 teams above them in the standings? The Canadians have 4 players better than any of the 13 other teams in conference? I guess that’s why they are in 4th/5th place? Really?

All it is a popularity contest where fans are encourage to stuff the ballot box. Fans that have nothing better to occupy their time do just that. Should call it the Popularity game since that is how the starters are picked.

Lets look at the current stats.
Goal leaders in the NHL, Crosby and Malkin are tied for 10th in the league. None of the Canadians show up in the top 30 players.
Assists leaders in the NHL, Crosby and Malkin are 1st and 3rd, fair enough. But again none of the Canadians show up in the top 30 players.
Plus/Minus? Malkin tied for 6th and no one of the rest of the ‘starters’ show up in the top 30.
Game winning goals? Well none of the starters are in the top 30 players.
As far as the goalie is concerned is Price actually an All-Star? No. Besides his meltdown last year in the playoffs versus the Flyers, he doesn’t lead a single statistic in the east. Wins, shutouts, GAA, save % none of them.

Here are mine eastern conference starters.
Goalie – Tim Thomas Boston
Forwards – Alexander Ovechkin Washington, Phil Kessel Boston, Jeff Carter Flyers
Defense – Dennis Wideman Boston, Mike Green Washington or maybe Chara.

I’d take that team over the popular one any day.