• When the opposition D stands up and closes on the puck carrier at the defensive blue line, it:
– Eliminates time and space for the puck carrier, forcing an early decision or risking a turnover
– Triggers off-puck movement and support to exploit available space

• Off-puck support (F2: F or D) sprints to space between opposition D1/D2 and off the heels of D1
– Creates a short passing option for the puck carrier
– Forces opposition D2 into a coverage decision

• The puck carrier lays the puck into space off the strong-side dots
– Uses space as the target rather than forcing a direct pass through defenders
– Allows the supporting player to skate onto the puck with speed and separation