Story Summary
Ässät moved into first place in Liiga after winning 4-2 away to Jokerit at Veikkaus Arena. The result took Ässät to 28 points, two clear of Ilves, whose 3-1 defeat at HPK saw them surrender the league lead.
Jokerit’s difficult run continued with an 11th loss of the season. Elsewhere, HPK goalkeeper Jakob Crespin made 28 saves in the win over Ilves, while the round also included victories for TPS, Lukko, Sport and Kärpät. The JYP-Kärpät game was still in progress at the time of the listed results.
Key Facts
- Ässät won 4-2 at Jokerit and climbed to the top of Liiga on 28 points.
- Ilves have 26 points after losing 3-1 away to HPK.
- Jokerit have now lost 11 times this season.
- HPK goalkeeper Jakob Crespin made 28 saves against Ilves.
- TPS beat K-Espoo 4-2, while Lukko won 2-1 at Tappara.
- Sport won 2-1 at Pelicans.
- Kärpät led JYP 3-2 in a game that was still in progress.
IHM Discussion
The Friday round produced a direct change at the summit without Ässät and Ilves facing one another. Ässät completed their own job in Helsinki, while Ilves were unable to respond in Hämeenlinna. Crespin’s 28-save performance was central to HPK’s victory and left Ilves unable to protect their position at the top.
For Jokerit, the 4-2 home defeat added another setback to a season already marked by 11 losses. Ässät, meanwhile, left Helsinki with both the points and first place in the standings.
Why It Matters
Ässät now hold a two-point advantage over Ilves at the head of Liiga. The round also underlined how quickly the leading places can change when the teams at the top play on the same night. Jokerit’s loss matters in a different way: the club’s 11th defeat extends a difficult spell and leaves another negative result on its record.