Huge surprise here as it is the first final since 2012 where Tappara won’t be in it. The performance by HPK is fuelled by defenseman Petteri Nikkilä who has 12 points (4 goals and 8 assists) this post season, the most amongst all players.
HPK has been led up front by center Robert Lieno who has 2 goals and 9 assists. His distribution of the puck has been the key to his ability to make others around him better. This has been an important factor for a team who is scoring by committee and not relying on a star to power them through the Liiga playoffs.