| World Hockey Association Game Summary |
| New England Whalers 5 at San Diego Mariners 3 |
| San Diego Sports Arena |
| December 23, 1976 |
|
| First Period - 1. San Diego, N. Ferguson (A. Lacroix, J. French) 7:16. |
| Penalties: A. Lacroix, SD 1:28; C. Raeder, NE (served by G. Lyle) 1:28; K. Devine, SD 2:13; P. Shmyr, SD 3:56; R. Busniuk, NE 6:19; R. Busniuk, NE 16:47. |
| Second Period - 2. New England, G. Lyle (T. Webster, M. Rogers) 0:14. 3. New England, D. Arndt (L. Pleau, T. Caffery) 6:21. 4. San Diego, T. Cassolato (P. Shmyr, A. Lacroix) 10:42. 5. San Diego, B. Rhiness (N. Ferguson, J. French) 12:53. |
| Penalties: A. Lacroix, SD 0:56; G. Roberts, NE 3:15; R. Backstrom, NE 10:09; R. Busniuk, NE 13:31. |
| Third Period - 6. New England, R. Backstrom (R. Busniuk) 4:48. 7. New England, L. Pleau (D. Arndt) 7:07. 8. New England, T. Webster (L. Pleau, M. Rogers) 19:23. |
| Penalties: A. Hangsleben, NE 11:15; A. Hangsleben, NE 14:36; T. O'Connell, SD 14:36. |
| Shots: |
| New England | 8 | 9 | 12 | - | 29 | | San Diego | 7 | 13 | 9 | - | 29 |
|
| Goaltending: C. Raeder, NE (60:00 29 shots, 26 saves W). E. Wakely, SD (60:00 L). |
| Attendance: 5,346. |
| New England Coach: Harry Neale. |
| San Diego Coach: Ron Ingram. |
