The Avs are slush puppies on fractured ice.

With a bottom-of-the-league mark of 34 abysmal points, the Avalanche will set a team record for stinking and failing to reach the playoffs for a third consecutive year. The defective franchise has slipped into an old Quebec Nordiques-like province, and attendance has plummeted to 26th in the NHL. Interest has fallen to an all-time low.

Only faithful few fanatics follow.

In Colorado, the big “A” logo stands for “Apathy.”

Stan Kroenke and owner-in-waiting Josh Kroenke don’t seem to care. President Pierre Lacroix doesn’t get actively involved. His hand-picked (apparently with both thumbs) general manager, Greg Sherman, doesn’t comprehend what to do, or how to do it.

And Joe Sacco must go.

The Avalanche is 14-22-6. That’s a mark of extinction, not distinction.

The solution is staring the Avalanche right in the eyes. It’s as obvious as a puck to the face.

Just as John Elway grabbed the reins and reign of the Broncos, Joe Sakic must take over control of the Avs.

Say it’s so, Joe.

Elway and Sakic have spent their entire adult lives and professional sports careers in Denver. If Mount Evans had two massive rock sculptures, they would be Elway and Sakic. They understand Colorado; they chose to stay in Colorado; each has worked in Colorado for decades; both have been involved in the community and with the people; they are passionate about this state and its teams; they are smart, savvy sportsmen and special, sharp gentlemen; they are captains and Hall of Famers.

They gained our trust and respect and earned positions of authority. Elway already has proved himself with the Broncos; Sakic will do the same with the Avalanche.

Joe always talked softly and played with a big stick. He has trained diligently and deserves the title and the responsibility with the Avalanche.

Enough of the dinky-rink Avs.

Do it today, not next year.

And Super Joe’s first move should be to hire another man who has proved himself in this city, this state, this sport.

George Gwozdecky.

Cap Sak and Coach Gwoz will get the Avalanche headed ahead to the future and back to the franchise’s fabled past.

I realize the popular choice for the executive vice president’s role or the coaching job is former goalie Patrick Roy. But St. Patrick arrived, conquered and left us behind. Joe’s and George’s roots run deeper in Denver.

George became the Denver Pioneers’ coach in 1994.

Joe came with the new Colorado Avalanche in 1995.

Sakic won two Stanley Cups with the Avs; Gwozdecky won two NCAA championships with the Pioneers.

Gwozdecky was the only college coach to win at least 20 games in each of the past dozen seasons and made perennial postseason appearances. His firing by DU’s insolent Peg Bradley-Doppes was ridiculous, but the vice chancellor, in the manner of Greta Garbo, wants to be alone and never has the nerve to publicly explain her actions.

Like another George who coaches in this town, Gwozdecky had the recent issue of not being able to escape the first round. Like Karl, George had the misfortune of losing his best players. Three underclassmen turned pro after 2012. Perhaps he recruited too well — and ran too squeaky of a clean program.

George Karl gets accolades and contract extensions for his coaching of young players. George Gwozdecky got no contract extension, then got axed.

The Kroenkes would be wise to have both Georges on board — Karl with the Nuggets, Gwozdecky with the Avalanche. The Avs’ roster includes 12 players 25 or younger. Gwozdecky understands youth. Sacco never got it in four years. He has had his turn as the sixth coach in the Avs’ history in Denver.

A college head coach in the NHL? Mike Babcock, a former college coach in Canada, won the Stanley Cup coaching the Red Wings and coached an Olympic gold medal-winning team. Bob Johnson, who coached at Colorado College, was another who made the adjustment. Herb Brooks too.

Gwozdecky is the leading candidate for the coaching position at the University of Maine, but says he will consider all offers. It’s known that he doesn’t want to leave Denver. The Avs shouldn’t let get him get out of town.

This Avalanche season has been over since before the lockout was over. The mess should be over before this season is over.

It could be suggested that the younger Kroenke doesn’t know a puck from a duck. He does recognize management and coaching talent, though, and Josh should have Joe Sakic and George Gwozdecky in his sight to lead the Avalanche from the meltdown.

Woody Paige: 303-954-1095, woody@woodypaige.com or twitter.com/woodypaige