The SM-liiga playoffs 2026 got under way in March, and Finnish hockey fans' appetite for betting is at its peak. Here is our analysis of the best betting picks for this season's playoffs.
HIFK – the season's strongest side
HIFK look exceptionally strong this season. The Helsinki side have played consistent hockey throughout the campaign, and their defensive game is in good shape. Home ice at the Helsinki Ice Hall is a significant advantage, and the supporters' backing has been impressive. HIFK's goaltender has been statistically the best in the league (a save percentage above 92% in the regular season), which is a key to success in the playoffs.
HIFK's title odds sit at ~3.20, which gives the team genuine value. The Helsinki side's home results speak for themselves – more than 70% of their regular-season home games ended in a win.
Tappara – defending champions
Tappara are defending their title and remain a side to reckon with in the playoffs. The Tampere team's experience of winning playoff hockey is a significant edge. Tappara's title odds of ~3.80 still offer reasonable value, even though the regular season did not go entirely to plan.
Tappara's strength is a deep roster and experienced coaching – over a long playoff series, these are decisive. Do not underestimate the defending champions, even if the likes of HIFK are having a stronger campaign.
The other front-runners – TPS, Lukko and Kärpät
TPS Turku have risen to the top of the regular season and offer a value bet at odds of ~5.50. Lukko and Kärpät are traditional playoff teams, and both are capable of an upset in individual games.
Ice hockey betting tips
- In the playoffs the more experienced side often has the edge – young teams stumble under pressure
- The goaltender's form is the single most important factor – follow a hot goaltender
- The home side wins ~55–60% of playoff games – home advantage is significant in ice hockey
- Don't play long-odds accumulators in hockey – upsets are far too common
- An Over/Under 5.5 goals bet is often better than a handicap bet in the playoffs
- In-play betting during intermissions: the odds are slower to react than the actual state of play
The best betting markets for the SM-liiga playoffs
Series winner: a long bet, but there is value to be found outside the favourite. HIFK 3.20, Tappara 3.80, TPS 5.50.
Over/Under 5.5 goals: in the playoffs the more experienced sides play more cautiously – the Under is statistically strong in the opening games.
Player bets: the league's top snipers (e.g. Klemetti, Jokinen, Anttila) often offer good value in the goalscorer markets.
Summary
The SM-liiga playoffs 2026 may be the most compelling in recent years – HIFK threaten to end Tappara's dominance, and there are several challengers in the mix. For the bettor, the best strategy is to combine a long-shot HIFK series-winner bet with individual-game Under/Over and player bets. Wager-free rakeback (EpicBet) materially improves long-season returns, because the playoffs are often a betting marathon several weeks long.