Tappara 28% favourite to defend Liiga title as season opens
Bookmaker Veikkaus gives Tappara a 28% chance to retain the Liiga title as the season opens on 1 September, with local rival Ilves at 10.5% and Lukko at 7.8%.
Finland’s Liiga season begins today, 1 September. Bookmaker Veikkaus gives Tampere club Tappara a 28 percent probability to retain the championship, with local rival Ilves at 10.5 percent and Lukko third at 7.8 percent. The odds list Tappara at 3.25 and Ilves at 8.80. HIFK is about 13.00, Jokerit around 13.50.
Veikkaus senior analyst Teemu Eirtovaara highlights Tappara’s coaching change from Rikard Grönborg to Kari Jalonen as a clear positive. He describes Jokerit as an intriguing newcomer with strong attacking depth but questions remain over goaltending and coaching. Fans will be watching HIFK after a chaotic first season under Olli Jokinen, and strong customer betting interest keeps them among the more popular picks.
Tamperelainen previously ranked Ilves highly in its preseason power rankings after a strong summer run, and Ilves opens the season tonight away at Lukko in Rauma with puck drop at 18:30.
Earlier coverage
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