The Washington Capitals continue to be one of the busiest teams at this year's trade deadline, dealing left wing Matt Pettinger to the Vancouver Canucks for left winger Matt Cooke.

Today's rash of moves by Caps GM George McPhee, who wasn't expected to be very busy today, indicates he's seeking veteran experience, depth and leadership to help get his club into the playoffs. McPhee's not going for it in terms of the Stanley Cup, he's going for it in terms of making the playoffs.

Cooke is a gritty winger whose bang and crash style made him popular with Canucks fans, but with younger and affordable Canucks now stepping up and filling that role he wasn't expected to be re-signed by Vancouver.

Pettinger is a physical winger with good speed and decent hands, coming off a 20-goal season in 2006-07, and he'll also be an affordable addition for the Canucks.