Big nights feel even bigger when a cornerstone comes back, and Charlie McAvoy delivered that feeling for the Bruins on Thursday in Winnipeg.

Nearly a month after taking a slap shot to the face on November 15 and undergoing facial surgery, McAvoy finally returned to the lineup.

The Bruins had missed his mobility, edge control, and decision making during his 11 game absence, yet they held steady in the standings. His return added another level.

McAvoy logged 24 minutes and 16 seconds in his first game back, showing little rust while adding an assist in Boston's 6 3 win over the Jets. Afterward, he spoke with the kind of energy that mirrors how the group responded to having him back.

“A lot of fun. The guys have been playing great hockey,” McAvoy said on Thursday, as shown on NESN's postgame coverage. “It is always tough to sit out, especially when they're looking like they're having a lot of fun and playing really good. It's a joy to be back, playing with this group. We had a great game tonight. That's a big road win.”

Sturm also speaks on McAvoy's return

Head coach Marco Sturm put McAvoy beside Nikita Zadorov on the top pair, trusting him immediately with heavy minutes in all three zones.

That trust paid off as Boston extended its win streak to four games and improved to 7-3-0 over its last ten.

“At the end of the day, our structure keeps us safe,” Sturm said. “It is protecting us from stuff like that, injuries, you name it. Our third period, it's been our best period as of late. But because we do all the work, we grind teams out in the first 40 minutes. I feel like we have another gear in the third period, because our skill guys take over.”

McAvoy's return stabilizes the blue line and sharpens the Bruins identity at a key stretch of the season.

Next up is the road trip finale on Sunday against the Minnesota Wild, giving Boston another chance to build on its momentum.