That's just simply because people are too lazy to dig a little deeper and just looks at his point total and assumes he's doing what he usually does. Hedman was a Norris finalist a few years back too while having an awful season because of injuries. That didn't make it any more right, it just showed how the voters go by reputation when they vote. People have been very quick at dismissing Rantanen's game this season and he's been called overrated and flat out bad, despite putting up a massive number of points. Why are people so afraid of critizicing Makar? Why should he mindlessly get pushed for an award when there are other players out there who are having far better seasons? Dobson, Morrissey, Josi.. They're all having better seasons than Makar this year.
But just because you commented. What do you think those stats are saying? I look at them and think that MacKinnon is a true hero this year because he's carrying that team on his shoulders. The rest of the players are just his passengers. He keeps this up and I think the Hart is a slamdunk. But just because Makar is able to grab a lot of points through MacKinnon's dominance I don't think he should be considered for a top 5 Norris placement. I know he will though and he will for sure be a finalist by the end of the season simply because people are assuming stuff based on him being the, pretty much undisputed, #1D in the world.
I agree that other teams should be scared of the Avs. MacKinnon seems to be on a mission and I have a feeling that won't stop anytime soon.