The first-round matchups for the SM-liiga playoffs have been determined as the regular season concluded on Tuesday. The playoff pairs consist of teams ranked 5th to 12th, with the winners of these four series progressing to the quarterfinals. The first round matches will follow a best-of-five format, meaning a team must win three matches to advance, and the losing team will have their season end at this stage.

The quarterfinals will kick off on March 28, involving the top four teams from the regular season against the teams that emerge victorious from the first round. These later matches will be played in a best-of-seven format, which increases the stakes as teams must win four matches to move on to the next stage of the playoffs. This playoff structure adds excitement and significance for fans and players alike, highlighting the competitive nature of Finnish ice hockey.

The SM-liiga playoffs are a highly anticipated event in Finnish sports, drawing considerable attention from local fans. With intense rivalries and the pressure of elimination, the playoffs not only determine the league champion but also shape the narratives of player performances and team dynamics. The unfolding matches promise thrilling moments as teams vie for glory and a chance to be crowned champions of Finnish ice hockey.