bson said. "They tend to play well at times. It was a battle tonight." NOTES: Dunleavys right eye was black and

Ed. Note: The Calgary Flames announced Tuesday that Sean Monahan would not be made available to Canadas World Junior team. In a perfect world, Team Canada head coach Brent Sutter would be bringing every eligible NHL player with him to Malmo, Sweden as part of his squad at the 2014 World Junior Hockey Championship, but thats not where we reside. As it stands, theres the distinct possibility that Minnesota Wild defenceman Mathew Dumba will be the only NHL roster player going. Nathan MacKinnon isnt about to be excused from the high-flying Colorado Avalanche and the Washington Capitals arent about to divest themselves of rugged forward Tom Wilson, but the final two names on that last are intriguing options - defenceman Morgan Rielly of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Calgary Flames forward Sean Monahan. While the signs seem to indicate that neither will be released, both would provide some NHL-calibre experience (well, as veteran as a 19-year-old can be) to a team short on returning players from last years roster and experienced with such a high level of play. Only Jonathan Drouin, Griffin Reinhart, Jake Paterson and Charles Hudon are back - and Hudon actually missed the tournament because of injury. But which of the pair does Canada need more and which is more likely available? On Monday, Maple Leafs coach Randy Carlyle called loaning out Rielly, "counterproductive" to his development and director of hockey operations Dave Poulin told the Toronto Sun that the team viewed Rielly as a core piece moving forward this season. "Id say hes a big part of this group right here, right now and we dont see that changing at this point," Poulin said on Friday. "Thats the way were looking at it." That said, Hockey Canada has stated that the Leafs have not officially ruled out loaning out Rielly. Riellys transition to the pro game hasnt been without its rookie year bumps. Hes been a healthy scratch six times in 27 games this season and has struggled in his own end at times, especially while partnered with Cody Franson. While the Leafs defence was been far from strong, they do have a surplus of blueliners and the team could easily make do without Rielly (who had a goal and two assists in six games at last years WJHC) from two weeks. The former Moose Jaw Warriors confident puck-handling and passing, as well as his shot from the point, could make him the ideal candidate to quarterback the power play for Brent Sutters team. The potential inclusion of Monahan is a more complicated proposition. Last week, the first-year forward was placed on injured reserve by the Flames with a cracked bone in his foot. Hes currently listed as week-to-week. Now, this injury might conclude any discussion of Jay Feaster loaning out Monahan, but if the timeframe on his injury is accurate, it wouldnt preclude his participation. But the fear of his injury recurring while away from his NHL club could be a concern. Monahan has inarguably been a more central figure to the Flames this season than Rielly has to the Leafs. On a team needing offence, Monahan sits second on the Flames in both goals (nine) and points (15.) The fact that the former Ottawa 67 is so important to the teams 22nd-ranked offence means that his absence would be greatly felt. But there is a flipside to the injury. If the Flames can do more than tread water during his absence and find scoring from elsewhere, then theres a chance that Bob Hartleys club would feel more confident about allowing the Brampton, Ontario native to head to Malmo. With no MacKinnon, Monahan could be a fine replacement to centre a line with Drouin. Yes, the chances of either Rielly or Monahan suited up for Canada are slim, but which of the two would make the bigger impact? As always, its Your! Call. Abdel Nader Thunder Jersey . Both sides of the deal have formally announced acquisitions: TFC introduced Jozy Altidore as a designated player on Friday, while their counterparts announced a three-and-a-half-year deal with Jermain Defoe. Danilo Gallinari Thunder Jersey . - Wesley Matthews got a chance to practice his bow-and-arrow 3-point celebration on Sunday night. https://www.thunderrookiesshop.com/Patrick-Patterson-City-Edition-Jersey/ . Terms of the contract were not disclosed by the club. Clemons spent his first five NFL seasons with the Miami Dolphins, who selected him in the fifth round of the 2009 draft out of Clemson. Steven Adams Jersey . -- LeGarrette Blount made one last big splash into a soggy end zone. Darius Bazley Jersey . The defeat leaves the 41-year-old Nestor to concentrate on the mixed-doubles event after winning 12 straight matches and winning Australian titles in Brisbane and Sydney with two different partners. "This was a little bit of a let down, but all credit to them," said Nestor.CHICAGO -- Chicago Bulls fans chanted "MVP" when Joakim Noah made big plays. Noah doesnt like the attention. "Thats not whats important to me," Noah said. "Its just all about this team right now. Weve been through so much. Its not about individual accolades." Noah turned in another MVP-type performance on Saturday night, finishing with 23 points and 11 rebounds in the Bulls 94-87 victory over the Sacramento Kings. "First thing is his game is through the roof right now. His confidence is through the roof," teammate Taj Gibson said. But Noah would rather focus the attention on the team and how it withstood the Kings comeback. Gibson scored seven of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, Mike Dunleavy added 16 and DJ Augustin had 12 for the Bulls (37-29), who are fourth in the Eastern Conference and improved to 3-2 on their six-game homestand. "It was very physical out there tonight," said Noah, who added eight assists, five blocked shots and three steals to his 33rd double-double. "That was a good win. We didnt let frustration get to us. We stuck with it." Isaiah Thomas led the Kings with 26 and DeMarcus Cousins had 25 points and 14 rebounds. The Kings (23-43) won the rebounding battle 55-40, but committed 16 turnovers and were 23 of 37 at the free-throw line. "Thats a lot of points to be left on the court," Kings coach Michael Malone said. "The reality is were just not good enough to not take advantage of all of those free throws." Both teams struggled on offence, with the Bulls shooting 40 per cent and the Kings 37 per cent. "The fact that we allowed a team that does not score a lot in transition score 20 fast-break points, obviously that wasnt part of our game plan," Malone said. The Kings are 2-4 on their seven-game road trip. Cousins hit a layup with 1:01 left to cut the Bulls llead to 88-85.dddddddddddd Gibson responded with a jumper with 42.2 seconds left, and the Bulls made four of six free throws to seal the win. The Bulls led 48-43 at halftime before the Kings outscored them 20-16 in the third to pull within one. The Bulls have won four straight at home against the Kings, the only team below .500 to visit during the homestand. Noah had 17 points and five rebounds and Rudy Gay led the Kings with 10 points at halftime. Noah scored 12 points in the first quarter, which ended 23-23. "Noah is an incredible player. I say hes the heart and soul of that Bulls team," Cousins said. The game was more competitive than the teams previous meeting. The Kings routed the Bulls 99-70 at Sleep Train Arena on Feb. 3, when the Bulls finished with season lows in points and shooting percentage (28.2). "Thats a good team even though their record is not too well," Gibson said. "They tend to play well at times. It was a battle tonight." NOTES: Dunleavys right eye was black and blue and he wore tape above it. He received 10 stitches after he caught an elbow when he drew a charge Thursday in the Bulls 111-87 win over Houston. ... Evans started at power forward for the Kings to match up against the Bulls front line. Malone said the Kings will decide who plays the position based on each games matchup. Derrick Williams has played both forward positions. ... Malone was impressed with G Jimmer Fredette, who played 41 games with the Kings this season before he signed with the Bulls on March 2. "He was always in the gym, even on off days, committed to getting his work in," Malone said. "Even when he was not playing and part of the rotation, he never dropped his head, kept on working, kept on supporting his teammates. Thats why I think the Bulls at some point will be able to use him." ... The Kings are 10-24 on the road. ' ' '