On March 5, most of the Bruins had work to do. By the second period, they had fallen behind Carolina by two goals. They would have to rally to stretch their points streak to 17 games.



Steve Kampfer was in a meeting.



The Bruins defenseman has appeared in 191 career games, including 25 this season. But Bruce Cassidy has not played Kampfer since Dec. 23.



By the time the Bruins were squaring off against the Hurricanes, Kampfer had been out for 29 straight games. Kampfer’s in-game conversation with sports psychologist Max Offenberger was a critical component of the support system that keeps his mind right while his body idles.



“Maxie and I go back for nine years,” Kampfer said. “We talk about pretty much everything. He’s been great to bounce ideas off of. My wife Tara’s been unbelievable. She really doesn’t know much about hockey, but she’s always a sounding board for me. My parents, my agent. Guys in the...