In the midst of an idle week, the Texas Stars are stuck scoreboard watching as the rest of the division catches up to their games played mark. Everyone chasing the Stars has at least one game in hand as of today, and Manitoba has a pair.
As for some optimism, Texas has the best chance to make the playoffs of all the remaining teams, I believe. Four of their remaining games are at home, and that fifth game is in San Antonio, which is like a second home to the Stars in terms of win percentage historically. Their strength of schedule on remaining games is significantly lower than any other club as well.