Winnipeg, last year’s Presidents’ Trophy winner, has bottomed out in the absence of star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

The reigning MVP and Vezina Trophy winner last played on Nov. 15 before undergoing minor knee surgery — since then, the Jets have won just three of their 11 games and slipped to 12th in the Western Conference.

Puck drop in Winnipeg and on NESN is set for 8 p.m. Eastern. Here’s a preview.

When: Thursday, 8 p.m.

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Where: Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba

TV, radio: NESN, WBZ-FM 98.5

Line: Winnipeg -145. O/U: 6.0.

BRUINS

Season record: 18-13-0. vs. spread: 23-8. Over/under: 17-14

Last 10 games: 6-4-0. vs. spread: 8-2. Over/under: 5-5

JETS

Season record: 14-14-1. vs. spread: 14-15. Over/under: 16-13

Last 10 games: 2-7-1. vs. spread: 5-5. Over/under: 5-5

TEAM STATISTICS

Goals scored: Boston 99, Winnipeg 87

Goals allowed: Boston 96, Winnipeg 88

Power play: Boston 24.4%, Winnipeg 20.2%

Penalty minutes: Boston 379, Winnipeg 291

Penalty kill: Boston 82.5%, Winnipeg 80.0%

Faceoffs won: Boston 51.6%, Winnipeg 51.6%

Stat of the day: Despite missing five games, David Pastrnak still leads the Bruins in assists (21) and is tied for tops on the team in points (32) with Morgan Geekie.

Notes: Defenseman Charlie McAvoy is trending toward his first game action since taking a slap shot to the jaw on Nov. 15 against the Canadiens. He skated in multiple practices this week and gained back some of the 20 pounds he lost while on a liquid diet. “I am going on the trip with the expectation, I am hoping, that I’ll be able to get back in,” McAvoy said Monday. … Pastrnak returned to the lineup Tuesday and recorded three assists, three shots, and a plus-2 rating while skating alongside 23-year-old Marat Khusnutdinov and 21-year-old Fraser Minten (two goals) on the third line. “Just three young kids playing together,” Pastrnak joked. “It was fun.” … The Jets lost to the Stars, 4-3, on Tuesday despite outshooting Dallas 33-19. They continue to search for their first victory against a playoff-contending team since Nov. 1 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. … Hellebuyck returned for Wednesday’s optional practice for the first time since undergoing a knee procedure on Nov. 21.

Amin Touri can be reached at amin.touri@globe.com.