Kärpät is going to face Ilves who beat SaiPa in the wildcard. It’s a series between the obvious favourite and the young gun team who has always something to prove. But, I can’t see the underdog, Ilves out playing Kärpät, as Kärpät is loaded with talent. They’ll be a challenge to shut down.
Look out for Ville Leskinen who might be playing his last season with Kärpät. For Ilves, pay attention to goaltender Lukas Dostal, who Ilves is loaning from the Czech club, HC Kometa Brno.
#2 Tappara vs #7 Lukko
This series will barely get any attention and has the potential to be a dull series.