5 Lineup Changes the Los Angeles Kings Should Consider for the New Year

The Los Angeles Kings blew a 3-0 lead over the Calgary Flames to lose 4-3 Monday. Now they have a few days off before returning to action on December 27 against the San Jose Sharks. 

The Kings have struggled of late, winning just three of their past nine games. With 2015 just around the corner, they are holding on to a wild-card spot. With that in mind, there are a few lineup changes they could consider.

Some are simple, while others might seem improbable. 

These are five lineup changes the Kings could consider come January.

Shake Up the Defense

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Since Slava Voynov has been out, the Kings have for the most part iced the same group of defensemen.

However, with Robyn Regehr now on injured reserve, it's time to change things up a bit. 

Jeff Schultz has been called up, but he has yet to appear in a game this season. In fact, he's never played in a regular-season game for L.A., but he did suit up in seven playoff games in 2013-14.

The 6'6", 225-pound defenseman offers great size and strength and could provide a physical boost in the defensive zone. 

Drew Doughty is averaging nearly 30 minutes per game in ice time. Only Ryan Suter is playing more so far this season. The team's defensive depth is being tested, and Schultz needs to step in and step up. He may not be a long-term answer, but he can fill the gap for now.

Richards and Carter

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Perhaps there will come a time early in 2015 to bring the duo back together on the second line—Richards at center and Carter on the wing.

Richards has had just about no offensive impact in the past 10 games, registering a couple of assists and no goals. Conversely, Carter has suddenly come to life with seven points in four games after being held without a goal for about a month. 

Taking Carter away from his elite linemates certainly won't happen right now, as they've produced at a high rate in recent games, and bumping Richards up in the lineup doesn't seem likely.

However, if L.A. continues to struggle into the new year and the top trio's production declines, it may be worth a shot if only for a couple of games.

If Richards doesn't start producing the trade speculation will heat up.

Justin Williams

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With the Richards and Carter move in mind, putting Justin Williams back on the top line or at least giving him more ice time may be something to consider. 

Williams has turned it on of late, with one goal and four assists for five points in five games. He ranks fifth on the team this season with 19 points. He's averaging fewer than 16 minutes per game and fewer than 1:50 in power-play time. 

He could handle additional ice time and pressure. He's proven to be a factor on the power play, with a goal and seven assists.

Give Andy Andreoff More Game Time

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Andy Andreoff is a 23-year-old from Pickering, Ontario who made his NHL debut earlier this season with the Kings. 

A third-round pick in the 2011 draft, Andreoff registered no points in eight games and had an even plus/minus rating. He was then a healthy scratch for the next month before being sent back to the AHL. 

He played seven games for the Manchester Monarchs and proved to be an offensive powerhouse. He notched five goals and five assists for 10 points. Andreoff has since returned to L.A. from that conditional assignment.

If the Kings continue to struggle, why not shake things up a bit and throw Andreoff in for a few games? 

More Martin Jones

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Jonathan Quick and Martin Jones have been excellent so far this season.

Their numbers are similar—except, of course, in games played:

• Quick 14-8-6, .921 save percentage, 2.35 goals-against average and three shutouts
• Jones 3-3-1, .921 save percentage, 2.04 goals-against average and two shutouts 

Quick has dealt with a number of injuries in the past two years and has played a ton of games. Regular season, playoffs and Olympics. He's had very little rest compared to most other NHL netminders.

Jones meanwhile has had a lot of time off and has shown he may have the potential to be a starter some day—for another team, most likely. 

Give him an extra start here and there and see what he looks like with a bigger sample size and a little added pressure. That will give Quick a little more rest as the Kings head into what could be another deep playoff run.