Nick Cousins' offense sure has improved in just one season in Ottawa

Last season, Nick Cousins got off to a brutal start in his first season with the Ottawa Senators, but he finished the season steadily by recording 15 points. This past offseason, Cousins signed a one-year contract to remain a Senator.

This season, Cousins was off to another slow start. However, Cousins' offense has improved big as of late from last season to this season, and it's not even December.

Goal scoring is where Cousins has delivered

While playing in 50 games last season, Cousins scored six goals. Over the course of last season, Cousins had struggled with offensive play and also missed a chunk of the season due to a knee injury he suffered in January. In just one season, Cousins' goal scoring has improved significantly.

Through 20 games this season, Cousins has scored four goals. Cousins is currently tied for the fourth-most goals on the Senators roster with Claude Giroux. From this season to last season, a huge improvement in Cousins to score goals.

Cousins first got his offense going when he was inserted on the first line last month by head coach Travis Green when Brady Tkachuk was sidelined. Cousins scored a goal in the first two games following the line change.

Twelve days ago, Cousins scored his third goal of the season against the Utah Mammoth. Cousins' goal against Utah turned out to be the game-winning goal. Last night against the Anaheim Ducks, Cousins' goal scoring continued.

With under four minutes remaining in the first period, Cousins blasted a slapshot past Petr Mrazek to give the Senators a 1-0 lead. The goal by Cousins was a milestone as he recorded his 200th career point. Cousins' goal was big to help the Senators earn a 3-2 win on the road.

When Cousins can score goals, he gives the Senators an extra offensive boost. Now, Cousins has turned into an underappreciated goal scorer on the Senators' roster. If Cousins continues his ability to score goals, Green and the rest of the team will rely on him more for goal scoring.