In the main round, each of the ten teams played a total of 36 games. The eight best-placed teams qualified for the playoffs in which the champions were played out. The last two in the main round initially played against each other to stay in the league. The loser of the series was relegated to the 2nd division, while the winner was then given the opportunity to remain in relegation in another series against the loser of the second division finals. Each team received three points for a win after regular time, two points for a win after overtime or shootout, one point for a defeat after overtime or shootout and zero points for a defeat after regular time.