I do not see chance, necessity, or providence as mutually exclusive concepts. To my way of thinking, different species converging on similar solutions, like the compound eye in both cephalopds and tetrapods, seems remarkable. That said, octopi have a much different solution to attain intelligence, which is equally remarkable. So the idea that there are at least some latent patterns or dispostions for Nature to prefer certain adaptation is IMHO an open question. Besides, i would expect imperfection in a world corrupted by sin.
<insert profound quote here>
