Ducks Get OT Ricochet to Square Western Finals

From the outset, it looked to be a timely bounce that would separate Anaheim and Nashville in their battle to reach the Stanley Cup finals.

That's exactly what happened in Game 4 of the Western Conference title series.

More than once, actually.

One crazy bounce figured prominently in putting this tilt into overtime, and then a deflection decided it.

Kinda like that.

If the Ducks hadn't killed off a 5-on-3 in the third period caused by cementhead penalties, that would've been the perfect allegory.

As it was, he who gets the last freaky bounce laughs last.

The cruel irony is PK Subban has often been the Predators' best player on the ice during the playoffs. As well, if fans weren't all that aware of Filip Forsberg, they are now.

Just as ironic is the Ducks' composure issue. They're a collective monolith; they don't beat themselves.

But they damn sure came close in this one.

Mindful of the bumps, bruises, trends, adjustments, and scouting reports, this series is now a best-of-three, with Anaheim having home advantage.

That hasn't been a huge factor so far, but in a matchup this close, every element counts.