Election Buoys Winnipeg

Minnesota’s chances of luring the Winnipeg Jets for next season appear to have hit a setback following provincial elections in Manitoba.

The Conservative Party of provincial Premier Gary Filmon, which favors keeping the NHL team, won a majority. Although that doesn’t secure the team’s future in Winnipeg, it makes it easier to secure a financial plan to rescue the team by Monday’s deadline.

The Manitoba Entertainment Complex Inc. is leading the effort to buy the team and build a $110 million arena that is critical to the city’s hopes to save the Jets.

Without an approved plan by Monday, the Jets will be available to an out-of-town buyer.

Injury sidelines Blue

A strained shoulder will keep St. Louis Blues defenseman Al MacInnis out of action for two weeks.

MacInnis was injured in the second period of Tuesday night’s 8-4 victory at Dallas.

MacInnis is sixth on the Blues in scoring this season with 28 points in 32 games.

Goalie guilty of DWI

Buffalo Sabres goaltender Dominik Hasek pleaded guilty to drinking and driving. He was fined $850 and ordered to do 100 hours of community service.

Hasek was arrested for driving 77 mph in a 35-mph zone. He also was charged with drunken driving after showing a .13 percent blood-alcohol level. The state limit is .10.