Ryan Miller (Photo: Bill Wippert)

Buffalo Sabres netminder Ryan Miller debuted a new look against the Red Wings on Monday night, sporting a mask inspired by traditional Japanese tattoos.

Featuring a tiger, dragon and a tribute to his cousin Matt, the helmet is Miller’s first modification in two years.

“I’m too big of a wimp to get tattoos, but I like them,” Miller joked.

There is also Japanese writing scrolled down the center of the mask, with a personal message dating back to Miller’s days at Michigan State.

“My brother actually speaks Japanese so he translated the whole phrase and abbreviated it,” Miller said. “It’s pretty funny. I emailed my brother… I asked how do you abbreviate this? He said, well we don’t have those letters. I said, okay how about you translate the whole thing and abbreviate it then.”

According to his website, the mask was made to wear with the Sabres’ third jerseys. The mask was designed by Ray Bishop.

Click play on the video below to watch Miller talk about the new look: