A clear passing lane is simply not available. Many times the defenseman on that side of the ice will try to step up, thinking you have thrown the puck too far behind your winger, only to realize that they have fallen into your trap. This type of play will also work when your teammate is directly in front of you. Play the puck off the boards allowing your teammate to skate into the pass keeping their head up. So next time you hit the ice remember that you have a teammate who is always ready for a pass and who has no choice but to pass it back to you.
Different arenas have different boards.
Practice using the boards and learn the different characteristics of each arena you play in.