In the first game of the ice hockey playoff series, reigning champions KalPa faced HIFK in Kuopio, where they secured a decisive 4-1 victory. Throughout the match, HIFK's head coach Olli Jokinen highlighted critical defensive lapses and the team's inability to capitalize on power play opportunities as key factors that led to their defeat. Despite having a significant 13-minute advantage on the power play, HIFK failed to score, while KalPa managed to net a goal while shorthanded, demonstrating their efficiency in crucial moments.

The match presented a perplexing display, as HIFK appeared competitive, especially during the first half, outshooting KalPa 29-14 and maintaining a higher expected goals metric. However, mental mistakes proved costly for HIFK, allowing KalPa to seize control of the game and demonstrate their experience as reigning champions. Aleksi Klemetti was instrumental for KalPa, contributing 2 goals and 1 assist, while his teammates Patrick Curry and Andreas Okany also made significant contributions to the scoring.

As the playoff series moves on, with the next game scheduled for Saturday in Kuopio, HIFK must address its defensive issues and improve its power play execution if it hopes to turn the series around against the formidable KalPa. The opening match showed that while HIFK can be competitive, they must execute better to overcome the reigning champions in this best-of-seven series.