After sitting out the first four preseason games, Stars captain Jamie Benn will play tonight when the Stars host the Florida Panthers at American Airlines Center.

"I am looking forward to getting back out there and getting into a game that, I guess, means something," Benn said. "It's going to be fun to get back into the feel of it, and hopefully it goes well."

The Stars have been cautious with Benn, who had surgery to repair a core muscle injury on July 14. He's taken part in all practices during training camp, but he didn't take part in the camp scrimmage and has been held out of preseason games until now.

"Everything has gone according to plan," said Benn, who skated on a line with Radek Faksa and Patrick Eaves this morning. "This was the game I was aiming to be a part of, and I am feeling good enough to play."

"I'd say [it went as expected]. We could have pushed a little harder a little sooner," Stars coach Lindy Ruff said of the timetable on Benn. "But there is no easing now. The word ease is out. Now we've got to go hard and be ready."