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“Certainly we have a unique situation that we have to manage, and that’s the other thing — we need to see the schedule that’s going to be possible with Craig and his family. When he’s going to be here, when he’s available and when he’s not,” Boucher said. “That’s something we have to manage, and that’s discussion and planning.

“That, I’ll be honest with you, now, after practice, I’m sure that’s what we’re about to do.”

Hammond said he’s ready to be called upon if he’s needed.

“I was skating while the guys were away and the last few days I’ve practised with the team so I feel healthy and I feel ready to go,” Hammond said. “Now, it’s just focusing on the day-by-day and being the best goalie I can and the best teammate.”

Hammond has taken part in practice the last couple of days but at this point he’s No. 3 on the depth chart behind Anderson and Condon.

The Senators don’t need to rush Hammond back because Anderson has been playing great and Condon has allowed only one goal in the two games he’s played since being acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins for a fifth-round pick in a move by Dorion that has solidified the club’s goaltending.

For his part, Hammond said a groin injury is never easy for a goalie.

“I think groin might be one of the most frustrating ones because you’re able to do most things, it’s really just the position that is hindered,” said Hammond, who was injured with 30 seconds left in the first period in Calgary.

He has worked hard with Groulx to get his timing back.

“Really I’ve just been working on my overall game,” Hammond said. “It’s not anything that’s really tied to the injury. You’ve just got to push yourself, try various things and make sure it’s all working together.

“There’s no more issues. We have great trainers who had done everything they can for me and now it’s just a matter of going on the ice and really testing it our.”

Where — and when — that next test happens for Hammond is to be determined.

bgarrioch@postmedia.com

Twitter: @sungarrioch