The entire balance of power in the league has shifted back to the East, whereas the last 5+ years it's rested in the West.
My Blues were about to take the next step this year, then their goaltenders forgot how to stop the puck. Really only Edmonton and Minnesota have taken steps forward in the West this year, but neither are threats to the Cup.
I predict Anaheim vs Washington finals. This is the year that Ovechkin gets to drink from the Mug