On this retrieval, the D has time and space to make a play. As the forechecker approaches, he chooses to turn across the ice, bringing that pressure with him toward his partner before making a D-to-D pass.

The result is that F1 is able to stay in the play and continue his pressure with speed, rather than being forced to stop or change direction.

This is a small detail, but an important one.

In this situation, there is an opportunity to take the puck up ice on his original side, outside the dots, and separate from pressure. That forces F1 to either overcommit or lose momentum, and it can open up more space for his partner on the weak side.

Instead, by skating across first, he keeps the play tighter and allows the forechecker to stay involved.

Curious how others are teaching this.

Are you encouraging your D to move pucks quickly D-to-D no matter what, or are you emphasizing using space and taking pressure away first?

What should he do here?