'Sandpaper' lets Caps resurface their offense

The Washington Capitals were unquestionably one of the most talented teams in the NHL last season. A couple of traits that were questioned periodically included a collective willingness to manufacture "dirty" goals and to play with the grit and sacrifice needed in the postseason. These are largely indefinable "skills," but the consensus from media members in the United States and Canada after Washington lost to Pittsburgh in the Eastern Conference semifinals was the Caps needed more of "it" if they were going to compete for the Stanley Cup. Grit, toughness, character, a willingness to sacrifice the body in front of ... Email </a