Coventry Blaze travelled to Manchester Phoenix tonight and took the lead in the first period through Jonathan Weaver after 11.40.
Phoenix equalised early in the second but Adam Calder, Curtis Huppe and Tom Watkins scored to give Paul Thompson's side a 4-1 lead going into the third.
With 47.51 gone, Adam Calder scored only for Manchester to hit back with three goals. The Blaze fans at Altrincham were having their nerves severely tested but with seconds left, Dan Carlson scored to give the Blaze a 6-4 victory.
Having beaten Manchester, all the Blaze needed was for Sheffield Steelers to be beaten at home by Newcastle and the title would be theirs. Unfortunately, the Steelers, who are moving to a new Arena in Rotherham, came from behind to win 5-2.
Blaze have 78 points from their 49 games with Sheffield 2nd with 72 points from 50 games.