VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Traditionally, a team feels refreshed coming off a five-day break -- but the Vancouver Canucks are actually weaker.
The Canucks revealed Friday that several players have shown symptoms of the mumps, including one confirmed case. As a result, at least four teammates will be sidelined Saturday as the Canucks (26-28-6), who have been off on the NHL-mandated five-day break since Sunday, host the San Jose Sharks (35-18-7) at Rogers Arena.
"We're taking this very seriously, given how easily mumps can spread," Canucks general manager Jim Benning said in a news release.