Lyhennyserän

Lyhennyserän is a Finnish term that translates to "shortened series" or "abbreviated run." It is most commonly used in the context of sports, particularly in ice hockey, to describe a playoff series or a regular season series that has been shortened in length. This shortening can occur due to various factors, such as scheduling conflicts, special circumstances, or a deliberate decision made by a sports league.

In professional ice hockey leagues, for example, regular season series between two teams are often played over a set number of games, typically two or three. However, due to the demanding schedule, these series can sometimes be abbreviated to a single game if necessary. This is often referred to as a lyhennyserä.

Similarly, in playoff formats, while many series are best-of-seven, there might be situations where a series is shorter, such as a best-of-five or best-of-three format. While not always explicitly called a "lyhennyserä," the concept of a shortened series is applicable. The term emphasizes a deviation from the standard or expected length of a competitive series. The reasons for a lyhennyserä can range from logistical challenges to strategic decisions aimed at managing player fatigue or optimizing the league's calendar.