Giroux beats Rinne to win NHL 13 cover vote

It’s official – Claude Giroux has won the first-ever NHL 13 cover vote and will represent the league on the front of next season’s video game.

Giroux outlasted Predators goalie Pekka Rinne by less than a one percent margin to win. More than two million votes were cast in the final round of the contest, which began with 60 participants.

Giroux was the No. 1 seed in the tournament and paved his way to the championship round by defeating Montreal defenseman P.K. Subban in Round 1, LA Kings forward Anze Kopitar in Round 2 and Pittsburgh Penguins' forward Evgeni Malkin in the Semifinal round, getting a little revenge for Malkin defeating his teammate, Scott Hartnell, in Round 2.

"The support fans have given me throughout the campaign has been unbelievable," Giroux told NHL.com. "I am very excited to be on the cover of NHL 13 and I want to thank everyone who campaigned and voted for me -- especially my teammates, the Flyers organization, and of course all the NHL fans who voted and tweeted."

An outpouring of support from Flyers fans helped Giroux receive enough votes, but he was also aided by folks around the country who witnessed him score eight goals and tally nine assists in 10 playoff games.

Rinne turned out to be Giroux’s toughest foe. Nashville’s goalie finished the regular season with a .923 save percentage and 2.39 goals against average. He led all goalies in wins, with 43.

But at the end of the day Giroux’s face will grace the cover of NHL 13, which will be released on Sept. 11.

Let's hope the coverman of NHL 13 doesn't face a jinx similar to the "Madden curse."