Steroid policy on NHL’s agenda

The NHL will meet with the White House to talk about steroids-not that the league believes it has a problem with that. But where performance-enhancing drugs and major pro sports are concerned, being seen to be doing the right thing has become part of the game. That’s why, when asked if the NHL would participate in a White House-initiated summit on athletic steroid use, NHL chief legal officer Bill Daly replied: “We do not decline invitations on these types of issues.” It’s also why Daly said it was “quite possible” a performance-enhancing drug policy would be part of the next collective bargaining agreement, even as the league and NHL Players’ Association both emphasize they don’t believe a problem exists in hockey. The NFL and NBA both have steroid policies that include mandatory testing…

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Ruutu finally living up to hype and plaving like Calder candidate

After four months of on-the-job training, Tuomo Ruutu is beginning to live up to his massive hype. Ruutu is becoming an on-ice force for the new-look Blackhawks. He had six goals and 13 points during a 10-game stretch to vault himself among the rookie scoring leaders. “I’m improving,” Ruutu said. “I’m a lot more confident with the puck I’m holding it more if the play is not there.” Had Ruutu played like this from the start of the season, he certainly would be in the mix for the Calder Trophy. “He hasn’t changed his style one bit,” said coach Brian Sutter. “He’s just maturing. He’s growing up. Everything that seemed to be happening quickly at the beginning of the year, it’s not happening quick now. He’s maturing to what it takes to be a…