To prevent wear and tear on original discs, which were prone to scratching.

Released in late 2008, NHL 09 holds a unique place in gaming history as the in the EA Sports NHL series to be released for Windows.

Unlike the "next-gen" versions for Xbox 360 and PS3, the PC version was based on the older PlayStation 2 engine, which made it highly accessible for lower-end hardware of the era. Why "No CD" Patches Exist

Because it was the last PC version, it remains the foundation for a dedicated modding community that provides updated rosters and graphics.

In 2008, most PC games used physical media for verification. The game files were installed on the hard drive, but the disc had to remain in the tray to act as a "key". Players sought No-CD cracks for several practical reasons:

To avoid manually swapping discs when switching between different games.