The Storm then took a short kick-off that appeared to be knocked forward by Crichton then knocked on by an offside Mitch Kenny. Penrith challenged the knock-on ruling against Kenny but Storm coach Craig Bellamy was livid at the lack of an offside penalty, with the original knock-on affirmed by the Bunker.
Melbourne had the chance to clinch the win regardless when Olam took on the defence in the final play of the game, but a miraculous try-saver from Kikau denied the visitors the result.
Defy Impossible: Viliame Kikau's match-saving tackle
Defy Impossible: Viliame Kikau's match-saving tackle
It was a valiant win by Penrith to move to 3-0 atop the Telstra Premiership ladder while the Storm have now lost successive Thursday night epics in western Sydney.
Already without Nathan Cleary (head knock) and Api Koroisau (broken wrist), the Panthers lost Dylan Edwards at the end of the first half to a suspected broken hand after the fullback was arguably the best player on the ground in a 6-6 opening half.
Cleary's replacement Matt Burton proved yet again he is far too good for reserve grade, kicking almost 600 metres in a fine all-round performance with his long kicks to space a huge factor in keeping Penrith in the contest.
The Storm also lost Tom Eisenhuth to a suspected broken rib and Brandon Smith was clutching a shoulder late in the game, while for Penrith Spencer Leniu came off with a shoulder issue but returned late in the game.
A one-on-one steal from Tom Eisenhuth on Brian To'o as Penrith looked to work it off their own line led to first points, with Brandon Smith catching out Kurt Capewell and Edwards from dummy-half in the 11th minute.
A Nicho Hynes try saver denied Brian To'o in the left-hand corner in the 26th minute but Penrith crossed on the opposite flank soon after with a lovely piece of play from Edwards helping set up Charlie Staines for his first of the year.
Cheese hits and spins his way to the opener
Cheese hits and spins his way to the opener
Olam crashed through Penrith's right edge shortly before half-time but was denied what would have been a certain four-pointer by Kenny Bromwich, who messed up his lead run and knocked Edwards out of the way for a clear obstruction to leave the scores level at the break.
Penrith opted for a shot at goal after the Storm were pinged for a late steal but after nailing his first attempt from the touch line, Crichton sliced the easier chance in the 52nd minute to leave the scores still level at 6-6.
A fumble from Tyrone May from a cross-field bomb, under huge pressure, gave the Storm the opportunity to finally break the deadlock in the 64th minute.
Capewell ducks, weaves to snatch win for Panthers
Capewell ducks, weaves to snatch win for Panthers
They created a numbers advantage on the left from the scrum with Munster and Hynes combining to send Josh Addo-Carr over in the corner. Munster missed the sideline conversion which later proved crucial.
The Storm held that lead until Capewell's 78th minute try and the controversial grandstand finish that confirmed a Penrith win.
They may just be hooked for life after tonight 
