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Smith said the club won’t take any risks with Nilsson.

“He’s just on his own and he’s no closer so he’s not going to travel with us out West,” said Smith. “The clock is ticking for him to get in some games and we want him to get in some games but, at the same point, you’ve got to be healthy and if he’s not 100% we’re not going to put him in.”

Ideally, the Senators would like to send goaltender Marcus Hogberg, who’s away on personal leave in Sweden at the moment, back to their AHL affiliate in Belleville to be part of the playoffs, but they need him here to help carry the ball with veteran Craig Anderson while Nilsson remains sidelined.

The expectation is Hogberg may re-join the team next week in California.

“Everything is positive from back home on the situation he’s had to deal with so far so we’re hoping he’ll join us on the California trip. We’re hoping to know a little more here soon,” said Smith.

THE LAST WORDS

A report Thursday indicated the NHL draft lottery will be held Thursday, Apr. 9. The league is toying with the idea of having it at the NHL Network studios in Secaucus, N.J. instead of at CBC’s studios in Toronto. The Senators could have two picks in the top 10 because they have their own first round selection and San Jose’s … Duclair returned Thursday against the New York Islanders after missing four games after blocking a shot against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Feb. 24. He went into the game 22 goals and 37 points in 62 games this season and the club is hoping he can have a strong finish. “Just keep being dangerous out there,” said Smith. “He’s got to provide offence for us. We’re a team that doesn’t score a whole lot. He’s got be sound defensively but at the same time he’s got to provide some offence for us and give us a shot in the arm there.” … Centre Artem Anismov, who left the club’s 7-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins Tuesday with an upper body injury, won’t make the trip West and the club isn’t certain when he’ll return … Smith had nothing but kind words for former Ottawa centre Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who made his return with the Isles after being dealt at the deadline. “He was great while he was here with me. He played hard every single night,” Smith said. “He’s very respectful, team first and very quiet, as a lot of people know and really was good with the guys in the room. I’m sure the fans will give him a good reception coming back. He really did a lot of good things for this organization.”

bgarrioch@postmedia.com

Twitter: @sungarrioch

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