In a 10-part series, we look back at the 10-year anniversary of the 2008-09 season, the start of the Blackhawks dynasty.
Playoffs, check. Western Conference quarterfinals, check. Semifinals, check.
After missing the playoffs a year ago, the Blackhawks found themselves among the final four teams standing in 2009 but were about to face their largest test yet. And it wasn't just any test. It was against the hated Detroit Red Wings, who were also the defending Stanley Cup champions. David vs. Goliath.
Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews weren't even 21 yet and were going up against four future Hall of Famers in Pavel Datsyuk, Marian Hossa, Nicklas Lidstrom and Henrik Zetterberg who were in the primes of their career.