NHL officials believe that protocols put in place after a widespread mumps outbreak within the league two seasons ago have helped curtail a return of the highly contagious virus this season.
Zach Parise and Jason Pominville of the Minnesota Wild -- who were diagnosed with the mumps on Feb. 27 and subsequently quarantined -- returned to action on Sunday night and each contributed a point during Minnesota's win over the San Jose Sharks. Several Vancouver Canucks players also showed symptoms of the mumps several weeks ago, but the team has controlled the spread of the virus as well.