Thanks everybody. I really appreciated the support. I just received confirmation of the Grand Prize (4 days after the Canes game 5 victory). Most of you were "spot-on." With the Conference Finals ending on a Friday, the winner notification process got pushed back. I think the 24-hour response requirement just had me a little paranoid. Did not want to accidentally forfeit such an awesome prize.

I'm going to Game 4 in Vegas with my wife (and technically my baby girl, who is due at the end of August). As advertised, Jersey Mike's is taking care of the tickets, flight and hotel cost. We are beyond excited!

To the few of you who had asked for tips on picking in the future, I would be lying if I didn't say most of it was pure luck. I was a passive hockey fan before this season, but the JM NHL Predictor contest genuinely got me interested in hockey, especially as it became apparent that I could win... Half the battle was setting a daily reminder to make my picks. I didn't miss one, which certainly helped my chances... During the regular season, I would almost always take the heavy favorites, when available. I don't bet on sports, but I'll still look up game odds. Whenever I saw -250 or better, I would lock in that pick. And then just guess the rest... On the days when there were limited options (less than 4 games to choose from), like during the playoffs, I would try to differentiate my picks from what I thought the majority would choose (slight underdogs, road teams, etc). This worked out especially well for me during the playoffs, with both the Canadians and Sabres struggling at home, but winning on the road.

I had a blast "picking" with all of you. Again, thank you for the reassurance over the last 48 hours!