Liiga week's tops and flops: In Jokerit and HIFK, the pressure is on

In the fourth week of the league, there was plenty of drama. The teams at the bottom of the standings have started to distance themselves from the others, and in Helsinki, the panic button was pressed as the first coaching dismissals began.

In this article, we highlight the top and flop moments of the week in the league.

Tops

1. Kari Piiroinen has long been an excellent goalkeeper, but his performances have lacked the desired consistency. This autumn, the SaiPa goalie has managed to reach a new level. He has played five matches with a save percentage of 95.86. This figure is particularly impressive considering that SaiPa gives away the fourth most scoring chances in the entire league.

2. Pelicans managed to break their four-game losing streak on Saturday by defeating HIFK. Despite the losses, the Lahti team’s play has not been problematic at any point. The team’s defensive play has been the best in the league, and they create a good number of scoring chances. The biggest issue has been finishing. However, the team has plenty of skill, so once confidence is regained, Pelicans will rise towards the top of the standings.

3. The criticism of Lukko’s head coach Tomi Lämsä is always in fashion. This autumn, there has been reason for it, as the Rauma team’s play was in terrible shape during the early rounds and the results were deservedly poor. However, in their last five matches, Lukko has been in excellent form. When looking at the difference between expected goals created and given to the opponent, Lukko has been the second-best team in the league.

Tomi Lämsä’s coached Lukko has raised its profile as the season progresses. Photo: All Over Press

1. Jokerit’s play has been terrible during the preseason and it has continued to be so at the start of the regular season. Significant progress was not seen, so head coach Tomek Valtonen understandably got the boot. Now at the helm is Juuso Hahl, who did a decent job at Vaasan Sport. The big question is why Hahl’s influence was not visible in Jokerit’s playing style earlier in the season? Will Hahl get Jokerit’s foreign stars to buy into the changes he makes? How long does Hahl have to show results before the panic button is pressed again at the office and a new man is brought in from outside? One thing is certain: the drama surrounding Jokerit will continue in the coming weeks.

2. The situation in HIFK’s corner is equally bleak. The team from the capital has a weak squad, and now they are also missing Jori Lehterä. HIFK has an urgent need for a skilled first-line center, so it was quite a surprise when Urheilucast reported that Oula Palva is heading to Vaasan Sport. HIFK’s predicament is severe as they are being dominated by Jukurit on the ice and Sport is the master in the transfer market.

3. KooKoo is starting to be in serious trouble. After eight matches played, last season’s silver medalists have only one point in the standings. The good news is that KooKoo’s play has clearly taken steps forward, unlike Jokerit and HIFK. But is the progress sufficient? The gap is already significant if KooKoo wants to climb into the playoffs or at least avoid relegation to the B-league. As things stand, the playoffs may start in Kouvola before Christmas.

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League | 26.10.2026 18:43