I think it's more like...WITHOUT Smash and MK8, Wii U will just keep sinking...and even 10 million would be "lucky." However, with Smash and MK8, they will keep the Wii U in a position to likely reach around that 20 million mark, which would hopefully result in it making a little money for Nintendo between hardware/software sales combined in the long run, as opposed to the system just completely "dying" and being a total failure.

What's not going to happen? Two large IP's bumping/helping Wii U sales?

They won't. But they will help move some consoles and they will certainly be a blast to play.

DKCR:Tropical freeze=Feb
Watch Dogs=March or April?
Mario Kart 8=May

If quality games keep coming in each month, in 6 months the WiiU will be doing decent number. Smash will prob be nov-dec and that is when the turn around will begin.

What exactly are they saving it from? Being discontinued? Selling at a loss? Selling less than PS4/One? Selling less than a specific amount weekly/yearly/lifetime? I just dont get what it needs saving from and at what point is it considered saved? And why are Mario Kart/Smash Bros expected to save it on there own?

Well, they are the big ones this year for the Wii U, along with DC: tropical freeze. It will take more than these games to get the Wii U going but it is a good start and a step in the right direction, bring in out games that the gamers want.

They also gotta keep trying with new IPs like Zombi U and TW101.

I don't know.
They didn't get the GameCube going. Though I loved the Cube. I think the idea is that people will see Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros and buy the system. They traditionally sell quite well. I don't think there is much more thought to it than that.

They won't but they'll be great games and people will want to play them. I'm expecting a decent boost but nothing substantial after a few months. Now, if the Wii U gets a LOT of big titles for a long amount of time, then we'll see. As it stands, two games can't do it.

They won't. I expect the WiiU to reach 10 million LTD for the whole gen

How many consoles in gaming history have actually had this "mythical" turn around?

Sega Master System? Nope.
Turbo Grafx 16? Nope.
Sega Saturn? Nope.
Sega Dreamcast? Nope.
Nintendo GameCube? Nope.
Sony Playstation 3? Yes.
Wii U? Not looking good.

To me it looks like the PS3 was really the only one that turned it around after more than 1 full year of mediocre sales, and really the PS3's main issue was the freaking $500/$600 price point. Once that eased up (just a matter of time), the machine had 100% third party support and was able to perform well.