Nathan MacKinnon decided to take his frustrations out on the Seattle Kraken.

Just two days after getting a game misconduct against the Oilers, a misconduct that was rescinded by the league, MacKinnon went off for four points to help the Avalanche bounce back with a win over the Kraken.

Here are five takeaways from the win.

1. The Avalanche dominated the first period, as they were buzzing in the offensive zone, finding the seams in the Kraken defense to get Joey Daccord moving side to side. Colorado’s first two goals were nearly identical, as MacKinnon hit a streaking Necas first before Marty returned the favor to Nate.
2. Periods two and three were more of what you would have expected from a Kraken club that is fighting for their playoff lives. They had no legs in the first and out of nowhere, they found some over the final 40 minutes. They’re just not a team built to come from behind with the roster that they have.
3. Of course, when the Kraken did get some good looks, Scott Wedgewood was there to stop them. The Kraken had not one, but two breakaways to start the third period and Wedgewood stood tall, stopping both to make sure the home team didn’t get any momentum. At some point, you have to wonder if Jared Bednar is going to lean on one goalie more than the other to get them into a rhythm for the postseason.
4. MacKinnon didn’t even look angry when he was ejected on Tuesday. Maybe the Kraken should have expected him to come out like gangbusters.
5. If either of them were needed to play in the postseason, would the Avalanche go with Zakhar Bardakov or Gavin Brindley? Three months ago, the answer would have easily been the latter, but his game has really fallen off, while Bardakov’s has grown. Bardakov was good again on Thursday and even avoided taking some dumb penalties when they were clearly trying to force him into some mistakes.

Avalanche 5, Kraken 1

What happened: A three-goal first was too much for Seattle to overcome.

What went right: Nazem Kadri’s second-period goal wasn’t just big in this game, as the Kraken had all the momentum at that time, but it’s just good to see No. 91 pot another in an Avalanche uniform. That was his first goal with the Avalanche since his overtime winner in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.

What went wrong: Ross Colton did not play after taking a shot to the upper body in the Oilers game. Down a few other wingers already, the Avalanche chose not to call up anyone else. Instead, they elected to dress defenseman Nick Blankenburg for his first game in a Colorado uniform. No one else being recalled could mean it’s not serious for Colton, but this team can’t really afford to lose any more forwards.

Avalanche goal scorers: Necas (30), MacKinnon (44), Roy (7), Kadri (13), Kiviranta (3)

Kraken goal scorers: Evans (7)

Between the pipes: Scott Wedgewood was tremendous with 28 saves on 29 shots.

What’s next: The Avalanche head to Winnipeg to take on the Jets on Saturday at 2 p.m.