
What is the def. awareness of #8? What's your puck carriers pass attribute? Any X-Factors at play?
Expecting a player to twist their entire upper body and react to fully charged pass from within 5-6 ft is pretty unrealistic.
Why did your opponent allow you to generate so much speed through the neutral zone that you could rip behind their D with ease?
There's a myriad of reasons why a play like this is successful and to lay it at the feet of 'the game' for 'rewarding plays like this' shows lack of understanding of all the elements that factor into the success of a play.
I understand people force this type of play often, but it's because many people don't properly defend in this game. When you have a defensive deficiency that plagues likely half of the player-base - said player-based would be best served to tighten up their defensive skills. Angle the puck carrier out. Don't let them generate speed while traversing into your zone. Take control of the last man back and don't ask the passive a.i. to do the heavy lifting, because a skilled player will expose them.