As the regular season of the SM League is about to conclude, hockey expert Topi Nättinen analyses the standings and identifies the top six teams likely to contend for the championship. Despite being the reigning champion, KalPa did not make the cut in his assessment, showcasing a shift in power dynamics this season. Nättinen puts Tappara at the forefront, calling them the 'overwhelming championship favorite’ due to their superior lineup and the strength of their two top lines, in addition to a deep bench and an outstanding goaltender in Christian Heljanko. He highlights that Tappara’s best performance is yet to come, signaling their potential for even greater competitiveness as the playoffs approach. Furthermore, he mentions SaiPa as a surprising contender, noting their unexpected success which follows last season's standout performance. The analysis points to a fierce playoff battle ahead as teams gear up for the postseason, illustrating the evolving landscape of Finnish hockey and the excitement building as teams strive for the championship title.