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James Reimer will remain between the pipes for tonight’s game against Montreal. In what has been a simple “win and you’re in” formula for his goaltender selections, it’s revealing that Wilson is calling #34’s number on the heels of a loss against the Philadelphia Flyers; a game in which Reimer conceded four and would have liked at least one back. It seems Reimer’s return to the net with the double shutout earned him some leeway and the opportunity to grab a hold of that starter’s title. Gustavsson took the second game of a back to back (vs. Winnipeg), but Wilson will stick with Reimer despite a sub .900 save percentage since his pair of clean sheets against Pittsburgh and Ottawa.

While the rope probably isn’t that long (a loss tonight would surely guarantee a Gustavsson start on Tuesday vs. the Flames), it’s a clear indication that Wilson wants to get his 1A in Reimer rolling again, if possible. It won’t win over Gustavsson sympathizers, that’s for certain, but Reimer appears to have the greater level of trust from the coaching staff as the games increase in importance down the stretch drive. Is it totally fair, based on recent performance? Maybe not, but Reimer’s poised performances in some important games during the Leafs‘ playoff push last season (and his contract) probably earns him the right.

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LEAFS LINKS:

Holzer is potential trade bait
The Leafs have tried to get this kid into an NHL game this season on numerous occasions but it hasn’t worked out so far. With a $4.5 million defenceman in the press box the last couple of games, it may not come this season. Holzer is saying the right things, but he was a scratch (with the flu, reportedly) yesterday following the news that the Marlies signed a 31-year-old defenceman to a contract. Seems crazy to let a promising 23-year-old defensive defenceman go, but he isn’t signed past the end of this season, and may deem his best chance is elsewhere. If the Leafs don’t feel they can get him signed, they’ll have to take what they can in a trade.

Kyle Cicerella at the Globe and Mail has more on Holzer
It’s also possible the Leafs could move a defenceman ahead of him on the depth chart.

Toronto Marlies lose to San Antonio Rampage in overtime
Marlies lose, but on a positive note, Matt Frattin scores again (he scored the winner last game vs. Rochester) and ups his season total with the Marlies to ten. He looks to be gaining some heat and finding his scoring touch, and might be worth another look soon if things don’t improve on the Leafs’ third line.

Hal Gill is excited to be in attendance for Sundin night tonight
Pierre Lebrun with the story.

Sundin is excited for the Leafs-Wings alumni game
The Star also confirms an HBO 24/7 series featuring the two teams.

Ron Wilson unconcerned about Connolly’s cold spell
Wilson mentions Connolly’s contributions to the record-setting penalty kill, which is still perfect in 2012.

Michael Traikos also grabs a gem of a quote from Darryl Boyce, the only Leaf on the current roster to have played with Mats Sundin (he played one game with the Big Swede): I don—t remember too much of it, said Boyce. I know that I played with him. I don—t think he knows that he played with me.

Pension Plan Puppets is counting down their 13 favourite Mats moments.
Currently at #7.

Sundin: unfortunately, a player we appreciate more when he’s long gone
From Michael Langlois at VLM.

Maple Leafs 30 Thoughts: Quotable Quotes
PPP has 30 thoughts on the Leafs at The Leafs Nation.

Your lineup for Hockey Day in Canada

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MEMORIES OF MATS:

The Maple Leafs Hot Stove bloggers continue their Mats memories series in the build up to tonight’s raising to the rafters of Sundin’s #13:

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GAME DAY RECIPE:
with Jason Kelly (aka Ensign)

Welcome to week two of Game Day Recipe. I hope you enjoyed last weeks and that the idea of a spinach dip didn’t scare you away! Don’t worry. It’s actually NOT healthy. For this week, I’ve decided to run with Enchiladas and a healthy version of Chicken Fingers. Most food I make I actually tweak to make it healthier so if anyone would like to know what to change, let me know. I hope you enjoy!

Enchiladas

This is a great recipe that tastes awesome, takes little prep, and can be made in advance. Baked during the first period so you can enjoy during the second.  I serve this with a side of refried beans, preferably Old Elpaso refried black beans. Point of advice, make the enchilada mixture, and while someone is wrapping them up, someone else can make the sauce. Otherwise, do the sauce once the enchiladas are made. It needs some attention or it—ll burn.

Enchilada Mix

1/2 lbs of extra lean ground beef

1/2 cup red peppers, chopped

1/2 cup yellow peppers, chopped

1/2 cup onions, chopped

2 cups salsa (I use hot)

14 fl/oz can black beans

8 oz Grated cheese (I like a jalapeno monteray jack)

2 tbsp Italian salad dressing

8 medium flour tortillas

  • Preheat oven at 400
  • Cook meat, peppers, and onion on medium heat, stirring frequently until no longer pink.  Add 1 cup of salsa and all beans, simmer 3-4 minutes until veggies are tender.  Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 of cheese

Enchilada Wrapping

  • Spread 1/4 cup salsa on bottom of baking dish.
  • Brush dressing lightly over both sides of tortillas.  Stack 4 tortillas and microwave on high 20-30 seconds or until just warm.  Immediately spoon 1/3 cup meat mixture down centre of each tortilla, roll up.  Place seam down in dish.  Repeat with remaining 4 tortillas.
  • Cover with foil
  • Bake 20 minutes or until heated through.

Enchilada sauce

1 cup chicken broth

2 tbsp chili powder

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1 heaping tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp salt

¼ tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp sugar

3 tbsp cold water

3 tbsp white flour

  • In a sauce pan add the chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, cinnamon and sugar.  Use a whisk to mix everything well.  Heat to a boil, reduce heat to a low boil and cook for 3 minutes.  Whisk frequently to make sure all spices dissolve.
  • While the sauce is on a slow simmer/boil, mix cold water and flour until smooth.
  • After 3 minutes of cooking sauce, turn the heat up to heat and very slowly add the flour mixture.  Whisk vigorously while adding the flour mixture to avoid lumps.
  • Enchilada sauce is done when you’ve reached the desired consistency.
  • Spread enchilada sauce on each and top with cheese.

Chicken Fingers

This is a great way of getting kids, and picky adults, to eat something healthier than your processed/deep fried chicken fingers. This also works for whole chicken pieces.

4 skinless/boneless chicken breasts sliced into ˜fingers—

2 1/2 cups bran flakes crushed finely

3 tsp seasoning salt

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp fresh black pepper

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

5 tbsp Hellman’s light mayonnaise

1 tsp Dijon mustard

Oil spray

  • Preheat oven to 400. In a bowl mix crushed cereal with salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Place in a shallow dish or ziplock bag.
  • Combine mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Using a cooking brush, brush onto chicken then coat chicken with crushed cereal mixture. Place chicken on wire rack and spray with oil. Place a baking sheet on the rack below to catch drippings. Bake approx 30 minutes.
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Next articleMemories of Mats Sundin: February 25, —08 — The NTC
Alec Brownscombe is the founder and editor of MapleLeafsHotStove.com, where he has written daily about the Leafs since September of 2008. He's published five magazines on the team entitled "The Maple Leafs Annual" with distribution in Chapters and newsstands across the country. He also co-hosted "The Battle of the Atlantic," a weekly show on TSN1200 that covered the Leafs and the NHL in-depth. Alec is a graduate of Trent University and Algonquin College with his diploma in Journalism. In 2014, he was awarded Canada's Best Hockey Blogger honours by Molson Canadian. You can contact him at alec.brownscombe@mapleleafshotstove.com.