Why is so much attention payed to east coast teams?

I mean it's true they do have the more prominent super stars like Crosby, Ovechkin, Boston's goalie, and Stamkos, but their teams are overall weaker than the Wests. I would feel confident matching up Detroit, Vancouver, Los Angeles, San Jose, or even Dallas against any team in the East (that is, when San Jose is playing consistently decent hockey, they have fallen apart a few times this year). Just seems like everyone is focused on the Capitals and Penguins... why is that?