This stretch technique is difficult for defensemen...their main options are:

A. Jump the receiver and give up D-side positioning (early anticipation, elite read)

B. Stay D-side and attempt a less aggressive disrupt attempt (stick check/tick)

It creates a risk managment scenario in which most defenders will normally back off and live to fight another day, which generally allows the puck receiver to get a clean reception & next play

Notice how Joshua manipulates Nurse's feet so Garland will have an extra half step advantage. Joshau moves the puck to the middle of the ice which influences Nurse to follow...then kicks the puck out to Garland with speed attacking wide (the opposite side Nurse's toe caps are pointing)

For more info on this technique/tactic be sure to watch the TCS Live 2024 presentations on their release!