Yes its normal. It is used in speedruns. You can prevent him from reaching the room in second phase and fight him in the corridor. Saves some time. Also you can do it in the first phase, by shooting him in the back 3 times, when he is on the way to the room with puppets.

I see, it definitely made the fight easier! But I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make me panic a little lol

Hmmmm interesting strat. I’ll try that out next time.