2011–12 SM-liiga season

One group included Blues, HIFK, Jokerit, JYP, KalPa, Pelicans and SaiPa, while other had HPK, Ilves, Kärpät, Lukko, Tappara, TPS and Ässät.

These were played back-to-back in January and the choices were made in December, with team with lowest point total to that date was able to choose first.

Top six advanced straight to quarter-finals, while teams between 7th and 10th positions played wild card round for the final two spots.

The last-placed team Ilves will play best-of-seven series against Mestis winner Sport.

Kärpät-TPS 2–0 Blues-Lukko 2–1 KalPa-Blues 3–4 Pelicans-Kärpät 4–3 HIFK-Jokerit 0–4 JYP-Ässät 4–0 Pelicans-Blues 4–1 JYP-Jokerit 4–1 Jokerit-Blues 4–3 (2OT) Pelicans-JYP 1–4 Ilves-Sport 4–1

ice hockey game between SaiPa and HIFK in February 21, 2012