JYP Jyväskylä Stays Perfect as Jukurit Keeps Pace in Early Liiga Standings Race

The Finnish Liiga doesn't hand out trophies in September, but JYP Jyväskylä is playing like the playoffs start tomorrow. Five games into the 2026-27 campaign, the squad has ripped off five straight regulation wins, banking a flawless 15 points to sit atop the early standings. Their latest statement came on September 20, a 3-1 road victory over the Pelicans in Lahti that showcased their depth and finishing power.[1][3]

After Carl-Johan Lerby opened the scoring for the Pelicans, JYP responded ruthlessly. Daniel Torgersson and Leevi Tukiainen both found the back of the net before the first intermission, and Aaro Vidgren sealed the contest with an empty-net strike in the final minute. The victory pushed JYP's season goal differential to a commanding +12 (21 goals for, 9 against), making them the only team in the 16-club league still holding maximum points.[1][3]

They aren't alone at the summit, however. Jukurit Mikkeli is matching that 15-point pace, though it took them seven games (5-2-0) to get there. Jukurit briefly reclaimed the top spot earlier in the week before JYP's win in Lahti restored the Jyväskylä side's advantage on goal difference.[2][3]

Just behind the co-leaders, Ässät Pori is quietly building a formidable campaign of its own. Sitting in third place with 12 points, Ässät recently extended their winning streak to four games with a tight 2-1 home victory over Kiekko-Espoo.[3][4]

Meanwhile, SaiPa Lappeenranta remains technically unbeaten; they sit on 10 points with four wins from four outings, though two of those victories required overtime. Their most recent triumph was a 2-1 decision over KooKoo, courtesy of a Samuli Niinisaari game-winner.[3][4]

For the league's traditional heavyweights, the opening month has been a slower burn. Defending champions Tappara Tampere stumbled out of the gate but finally showed their pedigree on September 20 with a 6-0 thrashing of Jokerit. Tomi Sallinen and Olle Strandell each tallied a goal and an assist, while goaltender Christian Heljanko stopped all 22 shots he faced for his first shutout of the season.[3]

At the other end of the table, the early weeks have been unforgiving. Jokerit now sits dead last following that heavy defeat, while KooKoo—despite finally earning their first point of the season in that overtime loss to SaiPa—remains mired in a dreadful start. While immediate post-match coverage from the league did not include direct quotes from the coaching staff of the struggling sides, the on-ice product speaks for itself.[3][4]

The 60-game regular season is a marathon, and the standings will inevitably compress as the winter grinds on. But for JYP and Jukurit, banking 15 points before October even begins provides a massive structural advantage in the race for the top four automatic quarter-final berths. The question now is whether JYP's perfect run is merely a hot streak, or the new standard for the 2026-27 Liiga season.[1][5]