Source is JAXA
Now, as one can see, this isn’t unprecedented. I note 2005, 2006, and 2010 all had periods of time, before the minimum in which the “melt” paused.
Right now, if I had to guess, and a guess would be all that it would be, is that 2014 is going to finish between 2009 and 2010. That said, I don’t think it unreasonable that 2014 would finish even above 2009, though I wouldn’t bet on it.
So much for the death spiral.
suyts space 
the bet I had with myself is still going on….
..three days ago I said it’s over…it would flat line for a while and then turn back up
….I’m game!
..and JAX is showing a slight increase in extent since yesterday
Steven G called it.