The win saw the Giants create a new club record with 17 straight wins, winning the league with a record total of 95 points.

Robert Dowd opened the scoring in the second period before Robert Lachowich levelled, and player/coach Corey Neilson put the panthers ahead just before the break.

Two goals in as many minutes turned the match once more with Adam Keefe and Paul Deniset on the mark to put the Giants back in front.

Matthew Myers made it 3-3 in the 54th minute to send the match into overtime, where Craig Peacock netted on a powerplay for the new champions.

Sheffield ensured themselves of second place with a 13-2 victory over Edinburgh, one of only two teams not to make the play-offs.

Jeff Legue had a hand in all eight goals, netting three times, while Mike Ramsay also scored a hat-trick with Luke Fulghem adding another two.

Bari McKenzie replied 14 seconds into the third period to make it 8-1 and avoid a shutout but Ron Sarich, Tom Squire, Fulghem, Ramsay and player/coach Ryan Finnerty all netted before Sean Menton completed the scoring on a miserable night for the Capitals.

Coventry came from two goals behind to secure fifth place in the league with a 6-4 win against Cardiff.

The Devils led 3-1 after the first 20 minutes despite Jerramie Domish giving the hosts and early lead and Blaze missing a penalty shot through Robert Farmer.

Chris Frank and two from Ben Davies gave the visitors a two-shot cushion inside 10 minutes, and it was deep into the second period before Matic Kralj pulled one back on a powerplay and Shea Guthrie finally equalised.

Coventry then took full control at the start of the final period - Woo Sang Park, Mike McLean and Farmer all scoring in a five minute period to extinguish the Welsh fire, although the Devils did score a late consolation through Mark Richardson.

Braehead had to settle for sixth place in the table but went out on a high, defeating Hull 6-1 north of the border.

The first period ended goalless despite numerous shots on target, but Clan moved ahead early in the second through Brock McPherson.

The same player doubled the lead as the hosts took a 2-0 cushion into the final session, but Stingrays pulled one back on a 5 on 3 powerplay with Jason Silverthorn netting.

But Jim Jorgenson and Jordan Krestanovich opened up a three-goal cushion while Ryan Campbell and Matt Haywood rounded out the scoring.

Saturday's final match saw basement side Fife go down 2-1 at home to Dundee Stars, although the visitors required overtime to get the job done.

The match was still goalless after 40 minutes despite the Stars having the better of it, but it was Fife who took the lead 10 minutes later through Fran Bakrlik only for Jeff Hutchins to retore parity.

Into overtime and it was Chris Zarb who netted the winner, securing his side's place in the play-offs.