What the rest of the pack did.

5. Vancouver (33-22-8, 74 points): Did nothing.

They did nothing at last year's trade deadline, either, and it cost GM Dave Nonis his job. But there's more depth this time, especially in goal, where Jason LaBarbera was picked off the Kings' hands earlier in the year to back up Roberto Luongo.

Analysis: The Ducks would have been lucky to catch the Canucks before the deadline and will be lucky to catch them now.

6. Columbus (32-26-6, 70 points): Traded backup G Pascal Leclaire and a draft pick to Ottawa for F Antoine Vermette.

Leclaire has endured right ankle surgery in a miserable season and had fallen from No. 1 to No. 3 on the depth chart. Vermette gives them a 20-goal scorer who can play in the Jackets' top six.

Analysis: It's only one move, but it improves the team immediately. It still might not be enough to separate them from the pack.

7. Edmonton (31-26-6, 68 points): Traded F Erik Cole and a draft pick, acquired F Patrick O'Sullivan and F Ales Kotalik in a five-team deal.

Kotalik is a veteran who can play Cole's power forward role, while O'Sullivan adds some badly-needed scoring depth to their top six forwards.

Analysis: Giving up on off-season acquisition Cole so soon is a curious move, but this represents a net gain of one potential 20-goal scorer. That could expose the Ducks' lack of scoring depth up front as the race heats up.

8. Nashville (32-28-4, 68 points): Did nothing.

Nashville is always looking to tighten its belt on spending and, with GMs around the league being wary of adding salary via trade this year, the Preds' David Poile was not surprisingly the poster child for standing pat. This time, he can hide behind his team's five-game winning streak as an excuse.

Analysis: Nasvhille has a hot goalie, a solid defense, and a track record of sneaking into the playoffs. That should invoke a healthy level of respect. Still, this is a team, at least on paper, which the Ducks should surpass.

9. Anaheim (31-28-6, 68 points): Traded prospect Eric O'Dell to Atlanta for F Erik Christensen; traded D Steve Montador to Boston for C Petteri Nokelainen; traded C Samuel Pahlsson to Chicago for D James Wisniewski and a minor-leaguer; traded LW Travis Moen and D Kent Huskins to San Jose for two prospects and a draft pick; waived F Brendan Morrison (claimed by Dallas); traded LW Chris Kunitz to Pittsburgh for D Ryan Whitney.

The Ducks didn't surrender their superstars, meaning it's up to Pronger, Niedermayer, Getzlaf, Perry and Giguere to lead the playoff push. With the execption of Whitney, these are all complementary additions.

Analysis: Can the Ducks shed experience and salary and still get better? These deals seem more geared toward next year, with a big playoff run this year coming only as a nice bonus. Which it would have been before the deadline.

10. Dallas (30-26-7, 67 points): Claimed F Brendan Morrison off waivers from the Ducks.

Brad Richards is out of the lineup until April with a fractured wrist, and Morrison tides them over until then.

Analysis: Like the Ducks, the Stars were hobbling, and could have been serious buyers or serious sellers. Like the Ducks, they didn't fully commit in either direction and Morrison won't provide the spark they were probably looking for.

11. Minnesota (30-27-5, 65 points): Did nothing.

Reports indicate the Wild were hoping to add Olli Jokinen (again), but failed (again). If they get Marian Gaborik back from injury, it will be an equivalent boost to their top line.

Analysis: Gaborik better get back soon, or else the Wild will finish out of the Top 8.

12. St. Louis (28-27-8, 64 points): Swapped minor-league defensemen with Pittsburgh.

Keith Tkachuk was on the trading block but didn't garner a favorable trade offer, so the Blues stood pat.

Analysis: They need a prayer but, sadly, can tie the Ducks in the standings if they win both games in hand.