The Rangers and Flames were especially busy before the NHL trade deadline, beefing up for the stretch run and the playoffs.

The Rangers added big center Nik Antropov and puck-moving defenseman Derek Morris. The Flames added big center Olli Jokinen and puck-moving defenseman Jordan Leopold.

See a pattern there?

Jokinen is headed to Calgary with a third-round pick for Matthew Lombardi, Brandon Prust and a No. 1 pick in 2009 or 2010 (Calgary’s choice). That is a big acquisition for Iron Mike Keenan — probably the biggest thing that happened today.

For Leopold, the Avalanche took back Lawrence Nycolat, a recent waiver pick-up by Calgary, along with Ryan Wilson and a No. 2 pick. Leopold is headed toward free agency after flopping with the ‘Lanche. The No. 2 was a nice get there.

At the wire, the Rangers made a winning bid on Antropov (a second-round pick, plus a conditional pick to Toronto) and Morris (Dimitri Kalinen, Nigel Dawes and Petr Prucha).

The Flyers landed agitating Coyotes winger Daniel Carcillo (for Scottie Upshall and a second-round pick).  Carcillo will brings his notorious edge to a city that loves robust play. Philly also got rugged defenseman Kyle McLaren from the Sharks for a sixth-round pick.

HockeyBuzz.com reported that a deal was discussed for Keith Tkachuk. Hockey Guy talked to Brad Boyes, but he hadn’t heard something anything about Tkachuk.

“We love him,” Boyes said. “We hope he’s still with us. If not, we wish him the best.”

Earlier the Blues made a minor move, sending spare defenseman Andy Wozniewski to the Penguins for defenseman Danny Richmond. This is just a Peoria-level move. Richmond had 17 points in 55 games for Wilkes-Barre this season — but apparently that team developed some disciplinary issues season.

BTW, the Wilkes-Barre coach is former Blue Todd Reirden. Ah, the memories!

Elsewhere on this day:

The Blue Jackets made the first big deal of the day, moving supplemental scorer Antoine Vermette to the Senators for goaltender Pascal Leclaire and a second-round pick.

Steve Mason supplanted Leclaire as the lead goaltender in Columbus – and the Senators have been shopping for a real No. 1 for some time. Currently journeyman Alex Auld and rookie Brian Elliott are tending goal for the Senators.

This move gives Columbus even more firepower for the stretch drive. The Blues Jackets are very serious about making the playoffs this season.

Buffalo, concerned that goaltender Ryan Miller’s won’t return from his ankle injury any time soon, spent a fourth-round pick to get goaltender Mikael Tellqvist from Phoenix. This is an indicator that Martin Biron isn’t returning after all.

Goaltender Martin Gerber is headed to Toronto on a waiver claim, giving the Leafs some options. and center Brendan Morrison went to the Stars to add some offense.

Mark Recchi finally found a new home; he is headed from Tampa Bay to the Bruins, according to TSN. He is still a great asset on the power play. This addition, plus the return of Michael Ryder and the end of Phil Kessel’s slump, puts the Bruins in great shape.

Recchi and a No. 2 pick in 2010 went to Boston for Matt Lashoff and Martins Karsums, according to HockeyBuzz.com.

The Penguins countered by landing former Blue Bill Guerin, according to TSN. This would be another strong addition for a Pittsburgh team starting to make a late move in the playoff race.

The Islanders only got back a fifth-round pick, which upgrades to a fourth- or third-rounder if Pittsburgh advances in the playoffs. This trade shows how tight the market was for Tkachuk.

HockeyBuzz is reporting that Ottawa tried to move grinding forward Chris Neil to Florida, which is making a spirited run toward the playoffs. But TSN reported that the deal did not go down.

The Bruins sent Petteri Nokalainen to Anaheim for Steve Montador. Boston got a little help and the Ducks continued their big overhaul. Later, the Ducks dished Travis Moen and Kent Huskins to the Sharks.

Chicago made a bid for Toronto center Dominic Moore, but he landed in Buffalo instead for a second-round pick. The Blackhawks later sent defenseman James Wisniewski to Anaheim to land checking forward Sami Pahlsson.

Edmonton added more firepower, getting Kings forward Patrick O’Sullivan in a deal via Carolina. The Oilers will benefit from this solid offensive addition. Carolina got Erik Cole back from Edmonton in this deal and the Kings got Justin Williams from the Hurricanes.

Florida got defenseman Steve Eminger from upstate rival Tampa Bay, sending back defenseman Noah Welch and a third-round pick.

Anaheim took Chris Pronger off the market. Ducks GM Bob Murray wasn’t able to solicit a blockbuster offer for him. No, the Blues were not willing to trade T.J. Oshie to relive their Pronger Glory Days.

Buffalo took center Tim Connolly off the market after he agreed to an extension playing him $4.5 million per year, or “Andy McDonald money.”

Florida offered defenseman Jay Bouwmeester around the league but failed to get a suitable offer.