In a thrilling display of duck power, Mason McTavish silenced all playoff doubts by scoring 59 seconds into overtime, as the Ducks swooped back from a two-goal deficit to startlingly defeat the Rangers.

The Ducks' surprising comeback not only showcased their potential for dramatic late-game heroics but also put a temporary halt to the team's seven-year streak of impending playoff disappointment, despite their near-certainty of missing the postseason yet again. With goals from Leo Carlsson, Olen Zellweger, and a standout performance from goalie Lukas Dostal, fans are left wondering if this victory is a sign of hope or just another feather in a very limber cap.

The Ducks’ much-celebrated comeback started from the jaws of defeat. With just six minutes remaining in regulation, they found themselves trailing by two goals—a situation that typically invokes the flight response more than anything else. However, this time, their fight won out: Cutter Gauthier scored the Ducks' first goal in the third period, serving as part of a late-game resurgence that would have made even the most seasoned comeback artists proud.

As the minutes ticked away, it became evident that the Ducks hadn’t gotten the memo about conceding defeat. With only 1:45 left on the clock, young Olen Zellweger swooped in to tie the game, sending the crowd into a frenzy and the Rangers into a collective panic. How appropriate that a player named Zellweger—a name so reminiscent of a whimsical film star—would deliver the type of dazzling overtime scenario usually reserved for weekend blockbusters. Perhaps it was all part of the Ducks’ elaborate game plan: keep things interesting no matter how bleak the circumstances.

Meanwhile, Leo Carlsson, who had his own run of good fortune that night, scored one goal and assisted on three others, marking his first career four-point game. It’s a feat usually reserved for seasoned pros, yet here was Carlsson, a rookie, rewriting the expectations for what Ducks rookies could achieve—all amidst the ongoing narrative of the franchise's seven-tragic-playoff-seasons saga. Some might say he’s raising the bar; others might simply be hoping he didn’t replace it with a rubber chicken.

The Ducks' victory was anchored not only by their offensive displays but also by the standout goaltending of Lukas Dostal, who made an impressive 26 saves. Each stop he made was met with roars of approval. After all, nothing instills confidence like knowing your last line of defense can actually, you know, defend.

To contrast this turbulent tide of Duck success, the Rangers floundered. Even with efforts from their top players Adam Fox, J.T. Miller, and Alexis Lafrenière—each contributing a goal and an assist—the New Yorkers find themselves on a slippery slope, having lost five of their last six games. Their performance has left fans wondering if they ran afoul of some mischievous hex or just forgot to lace up their competitive shoes before the game.

Mika Zibanejad also provided a glimmer of hope for the Rangers with a power-play goal in the third period, reminding everyone that hope and despair can peacefully coexist in the world of sports. Did it help the Rangers in the long run? Not particularly, as the Ducks’ enduring resilience practically overshadowed the brief Rangers’ celebration.

Despite the Ducks’ inspiring victory, the looming shadow of likely missing the playoffs this season remains—a fact that could deflate even the most animated of Dubious Duck fans. The excitement felt during the game might slowly fade as they face the reality of their playoff longevity: seven long years, like a stubborn pair of bib overalls that just won’t fit, yet somehow is always on display.

In the end, the Ducks left the ice with the sweet taste of victory, as Mason McTavish scored 59 seconds into overtime to secure the win. The Ducks overcame a two-goal deficit in the final six minutes of regulation, with Olen Zellweger tying the game with 1:45 left. For the Rangers, they skulked away, pondering life choices and potential changes in their lineup and strategy in the remaining games. The Rangers have lost five of their last six games.