Alex Ovechkin put both hands to his head and screamed while he left the bench and skated into the thick of the Washington Capitals’ joyous celebration.

GRAEME McDOWELL is in 10th position on the Ryder Cup points table after his Wales Open win yesterday – but only nine gain automatic places at the end of August.

Padraig Harrington’s fourth place finish in the US Tour’s Deutsche Bank Championship puts him third on the European Ryder Cup table.

Swedish golfer Daniel Chopra achieved his first US Tour victory today - and with it became a surprise contender for Europe's Ryder Cup team.

Leading places in the European Ryder Cup tables after the Portugal Masters (top five in world list qualify, plus next five on the European points list. Captain Nick Faldo then adds two wild cards. Capitals denote players in qualifying positions).