We know that some people will never say die. They refuse to give up until it's over. They will never surrender. They were unperturbed when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor. So we present the following chart as a public service. I cleaned up the format of the table but unfortunately, I cannot fudge the numbers to make the Stars' playoff picture any rosier.

As of now, the cut line in the Western Conference is holding steady at 94 points. And if the playoffs started today, Detroit would get the nod over Calgary by virtue of a one point lead in the standings. If both teams maintain their current pace, Detroit would get the nod by that same one point margin.

Also please note, this is an analysis that is based solely on projections which can change from game to game. I will note, however, that the 94 point cut line has stayed consistent ever since the Olympics ended.

Now on to the projections. Before you do, you might want to drawn your sorrows with a pint of Guinness (I am part Irish after all)...

When the Olympics ended and I posted an update two weeks ago, the Stars magic number was 25 points out of 42 to at least put themselves into position to make the playoffs. Today, that figure is down to just 23 out 28.

Going on a run like that (.821), after not being able to win three games in a row all season long is starting to move from "unlikely" territory to something else entirely. Please use your own colorful adjective with offensive modifier.

One way to go .821 and get to 94 points is to go 9-0-5. So all they have to do is knock a few of those of those shootout losses out and they'll be well on their way, right?